Questions for Landlords

Before we made the big purchase of owning our own home, my husband and I rented an apartment for a year. Before we signed the lease agreement, I had some important questions for the landlord. Questions are very helpful for you to know the limits and expectations when it comes to renting. You do not want yourself to get messed up in the end. A good tip before we start is to also get the questions and answers in writing and have the landlord sign the paper just in case in the future you have to remind the landlord about certain things.

Question #1
Will The Rent Ever Increase?
Some landlords will increase the rent without notice to you when their expenses are increased. Example, if you are paying $700 a month for an apartment. The landlord painted the outside of the apartment, added some trees to the landscape, repaved a driveway and so on, their expenses will be covered by raising your rent an extra $100 a month. This may hit you at surprise when it happens so make sure you know if they will raise your rent for any reason at all.

Question #2
Is There a Grace Period?
We all know that monthly emergencies arise and they may take extra cash we do have on hand. When that happens our bills usually fall behind the due date. Ask your potential landlord if you were to be late one month, what will the grace period be for you to get your rent in. Most creditors, loan companies and so on allow you to get your payment in 15 days past the due date. You will want to know how long after the due date that you can wait and also how much will the late payment be if you pass that due date.

Question #3
Can I do Interior Updates?
Some landlords will allow you to paint the walls inside the house the way you want them. Maybe hang pictures and selves the way you want. However, you need to make sure you ask before you do any decorating. Also, if you do decorate inside as far as updating the home (such as painting) see if your landlord will knock off any rent for a month since you did these expenses with your own money. Some landlords will knock off $50 to $100 for updates done to the home.

Question #4
Can I Have Visitors?
Some rental properties are very specific when it comes to people staying overnight. Most people do not have any problems with an overnight guests for a few days. However, I do know of some landlords that will frown upon people who come to visit and stay with you longer then a few weeks. Landlords become specific when electric and utilities are paid for by the landlord.

Question #5
What Does My Rent Include?
There are many rental properties that the landlord will pay for the water, electric and trash pickup. This is happening more often lately because renters are trying to get people in their properties to save them money. You need to make sure you know what exactly you are paying for. Also if the landlord is forking out the dough on your utilities, then you need to make sure what restrictions there are when it comes to usage. You may end up paying for the utilities if you go over your usage restrictions.