Questions Everyone Should Ask Before Renting a Property

When renting a property you must treat the transaction as would if you were buying the property. After viewing the house, you should sit and write a list of questions or concerns that you have so you can ask the owner of the property. Even while renting, you must ensure that the property is safe and secure and everything in it are up to code and up to date. Here is a sample list of questions that you should ask before renting a property.

1.) How much is the rent?

2.) How much are they asking for a security deposit?

3.) Will receipts be provided for the payments that are made?

4.) How long is the lease?

5.) What is the preferred method of payment for the lease? If it is mailed to the landlord, what address should you send it to and how do you get your receipt of payment?

6.) What are the consequences for terminating the lease prematurely?

7.) Could you please tell me the last date of inspection for this property?

8.) How old is the paint in this property?

9.) Is everything in the house up to code? (ie. Electrical, gas, furnace, wood burning stove, fireplaces)

10.) Has the house been tested for asbestos and lead? If so, how recent was the test done?

11.) Who is responsible for appliances that already exist on the property?

12.) Who would be available should a problem arise?

13.) If the contact person cannot be reached, who would be responsible for a bill if there is emergency assistance needed (ie, electrical, fire department).

14.) What utilities are included in the rental price? What utility costs will you be responsible for?

15.) Have any of the previous tenants complained about anything specific that I should be aware of? (ie. Noisy neighbors?)

16.) If you have allergies: Have any of the previous tenants kept animals at the property?

17.) Is it okay with you if we paint the walls? (As long as there are no wild colors). Explain to them the colors will be neutral and ensure that they will be easy to cover.

18.) Is it okay to plant flowers?

19.) Is there any type of pest control used in the house on a regular basis? If yes, get a list of the chemicals that are used to spray.

20.) Who will be responsible for the cost of pest control?

21.) What day is the trash picked up?

22.) If you have children: are there other neighborhood children for your child to play with?

23.) Are pets allowable?

24.) What types of pets do you allow, are their any restrictions.

25.) Will there be a deposit required if you have a pet.

26.) Does the landlord have home owners insurance on the property.

27.) Can I please get the necessary information so I can obtain renters insurance on the property?

28.) Is it okay if we hire our own inspector to view the property?

29.) If you have small children, are you allowed to make necessary modifications to child proof the house without loosing your security deposit. For example: a stationary child gate that will prevent falls down the stairs.

30.) Is mail delivered to the address, or will a post office box be required?

These are just a few sample questions you may ask. Be sure to ask anything that comes to mind. It is better to ask before locking yourself into an iron clad lease that you regret. Make sure that you and your "future landlord" are on the same page about all details that will affect you for the duration of the lease. Ensure that you get proper contact information for the landlord so you can contact him if needed.

Not understanding the property, The condition of items in the house, and how problems will affect you, could put you in a financial bind, and lock you into a rental agreement that you are not happy with.