Signing a leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More on a new apartment can be both an exciting and hectic time. There are also a lot of details to consider, and if you are in a hurry to get settled into a new place, it could be easy to overlook some important details when it comes to your leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More. Remember, you’re bound by the leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More, so it’s important to understand what’s in it, as well as what the landlord or management company expects of you when you become a tenantA legal resident of a rental property. More. Before signing any leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More, here are 11 important questions you need to ask.
1. How long is the lease?
This will usually be stated up front, but it’s important to know how long you’re committing to live in the apartment nonetheless. If you’re unsure of your long-term needs, a shorter leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More might be better for you; if you’re looking for rent stability, a longer leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More is better. You may also be able to negotiate for lower rent if you agree to sign a longer leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More.
2. What utilities are included in the rent?
Some apartment communities include water and/or garbage pickup in the rent; others may require you to pay it separately. Some complexes even cover all utilities. Whatever isn’t covered in the rent will be an extra expense to you, so make sure you know your financial responsibilities upfront so you don’t have budget problems later.
3. Is the security deposit refundable?
In most cases, the answer to this question is yes — unless they tell you otherwise, you should get your deposit back when you leave. However, in most cases, this is conditional on keeping your apartment in good condition. The deposit basically covers the landlord against financial liabilities if you skip town or do damage. So find out what the landlord expects as far as keeping your apartment in good order so you can get your full deposit back.
4. Will you change the locks before I move in?
This is an important question to ask because sometimes previous tenants keep a copy of their key, and you don’t want a stranger having access to your unit. If the management doesn’t plan to change the locks, ask for it for your own security.
5. Will you do a walk-through with me before I move into the apartment?
Your responsibility is to leave your apartment as you found it, minus perhaps normal “wear-and-tear.” If your unit isn’t in pristine condition when you move in, you don’t want to be held responsible for damage that existed before you got there. A walk-through lets you point out areas of existing wear, tear and damage so you the landlord doesn’t take the cost of these repairs out of your security depositOlympia Management requires a security deposit fee before a tenant is allowed to move in. Please Note: The Security Deposit amount is listed at the bottom of the individual property’s page under the... More.
6. Am I allowed to make changes to the apartment?
Some complexes allow you to paint the walls; some don’t. Some will let you as long as you paint it back. Some require you to fill any nail holes before you leave. Make sure you know what the management allows before you move in and start “personalizing,” to avoid any penalties or losing your security depositOlympia Management requires a security deposit fee before a tenant is allowed to move in. Please Note: The Security Deposit amount is listed at the bottom of the individual property’s page under the... More.
7. What is the “grace period” for rent?
Rent is usually due on the first of the month, and most leases allow you a few days grace to get the rent in before charging you a late fee. Make sure you know how long this period is in case you need a bit of extra time on occasion. Also make sure you know how much the fee is since these can really add up.
8. What is the pet policy?
Does the complex allow petsAll Olympia Management properties have a no pet policy. Please Note: It is important for you as the renter to contact the property manager regarding restrictions on pets. More? If so, do they charge an extra deposit or pet rent? What if you get a pet while you live there? If you plan to have a dog, cat or other pet, find out the management’s policy and be up front with them. If you “surprise” them without notifying them of your intentions, your leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More could come into jeopardy.
9. What is the response time for maintenance requests?
Management is responsible for responding to repair and maintenance requests in a reasonable amount of time. Asking this question keeps the landlord accountable and keeps you informed as to what to expect as far as turnaround time.
10. How do I reach you for after-hours emergencies?
Your management should have an after-hours “emergency” policy in place for urgent repair needs — for example, if a pipe breaks or the heat goes out in extreme cold temperatures. Make sure you know how to reach them if you need to. For life-threatening emergencies like fire or domestic violenceIncludes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with... More, always call 911 first.
11. What are the penalties if I have to break the lease?
Sometimes “life” happens, and you may have to move out before your leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More is up. Many leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More agreements have some sort of exit clause that assesses a modest penalty if you have to break the leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More; other times, the management may hold you responsible for the full amount your unpaid leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More. Make sure you know what’s expected before signing, and make sure you’re okay with it.
At Olympia ManagementOlympia Management, Inc. exists to meet the needs of the affordable housing community by providing top-quality living conditions, excellent management, compassionate interaction with tenants, and cons... More, we try to make our leaseA written agreement between an owner and a family for the leasing of a decent, safe, and sanitary dwelling unit to the family. More agreements as fair as possible for our tenants, and we’re happy to make sure you’re okay with the terms before signing. To take a tour of one of our complexes, call us today at 256-894-2382.