Don't Assume: What to Ask Before You Rent

Before renting an apartment or house, there are some questions you'll want to make sure you ask your future landlord. Sometimes things we would assume are included aren't - and they may be deal breakers. I've been renting for almost a decade; here are a few questions I'd ask:

Is water included? Water isn't the most expensive utility, but if you're going to have a lawn or washer, it adds up. If you're renting a house this is an especially important question because you need to know if you're paying for the yard to be watered - if you have dry, hot summers, this may not be a cost you want to incur.

Is a gardener included? This can be a deal breaker if there isn't a gardener. That's another monthly utility you need to pay or hours out back every weekend trimming the grass and shrubs. Then again, some people love to garden. If your landlord includes a gardener and you'd rather do the work, ask if they'll let you take over and credit your rent.

Do they allow pets? Many apartments don't allow pets or have size and breed restrictions. Many houses don't allow pets either because of the likelihood of a mess inside or torn up yard. Either way, a place that does allow pets will require another deposit, usually per pet, and larger animals tend to require larger deposits. If a landlord doesn't allow pets, offering a large deposit and promising your pet won't cause problems may work. For us, finding places that take pets is mandatory; this is the first question we ask.

Is there Air Conditioning? If so, is it central or window units? Do not assume the place has A/C - and don't forget to ask if you visit in the dead of winter when all you care about is heat. If you have hot summers you'll need to ask yourself if you can be content with window units or ceiling fans. We live in an area where it is often 110 in the summer; anything without A/C gets crossed off our list real quick.

Is there parking? A covered parking space or garage is awesome, but if you live off a busy street and circle for open spots, any parking is awesome. Parking spaces aren't always included, or you may get one spot for two cars, or you'll pay $50 to get a space in the lot each month. Ask your landlord what their situation is and see if it will work for you. If parking isn't included and street parking is limited, this may not work when you're trying to get your toddler and groceries inside.

We all have different questions to ask of our living situation depending on what will work for us, who will be living and visiting there and what amenities the rental offers. There are no stupid questions, ask your prospective landlord whatever you're concerned about: Do they rent month to month? Can you paint? Most landlords are pretty obliging, you just have to ask - so don't assume anything is included until you ask.