When you’re considering renting a house, there are some very important things to keep in mind so you can make sure you’ll know exactly what you’re getting and you can get what’s closest to what you want. The points here are even more relevant when you’re renting (or even buying) an apartment as you will be part of community where you’ll have to verify that the guidelines for the tenants are suitable for you and your family and enhance your life rather than constrict it.

Asking the right questions to the relevant people (owner/apartment association representatives) is very important. Ask these questions during your apartment search to ensure that you have a clear picture of what it will be like to live in your new home.

What is the condition of the unit?
Before you sign a lease or a rental agreement, if possible, always have the renter/leaser show you the exact unit you’ll live in. Even if they show you another unit claiming it to be the exact copy, insist on seeing the space that you’re going to be occupying before you sign the papers and pay the cash. Take your time and do a thorough inspection, checking out the condition of appliances, windows, and walls.

How’s the noise level?
Check with the neighbours and the security guards. If there’s an apartment manager who has the general responsibility to ensure everything runs smoothly, he might be the best person to check about it. If peace and quiet are important to you, ask when noise levels are highest in the building.

What’s the parking situation?
Are you going to have your own designated parking spot in your apartment community? If not, make sure the parking rules are clearly explained. Make sure that there will be room for your car in the community’s lot. And if you plan on having a regular guest visit your apartment, make sure there’s someplace where they can park, too.

Are there grocery shops nearby?
Getting to know an apartment community’s neighbourhood is an important part of your apartment search. Get to know where the most convenient places are to shop for groceries, go for laundry, and where the nearest hospitals and clinics are. Access to the goods and services you use most will be important to you once you settle in.

How much can I alter/ decorate the place?
Some leases place restrictions on what kind of decorating a tenant can do. For example, some apartment communities don’t allow residents to paint or make holes in the walls. If setting your own decor is important to you, make sure you know exactly what’s allowed.

How are maintenance issues handled?
Ask about the procedures for handling maintenance issues and repair requests: Should you put them in writing or is verbal notice appropriate? Is there an on-site maintenance crew? Should you pay them after the repair or are they paid separately?

Are there any monthly fees?
You know you have to pay rent every month. But there might be other monthly fees associated with renting an apartment, often called a ‘maintenance fee’. You may also be responsible for paying some or all of the utilities. Make sure you understand — and can afford — the actual cost of renting an apartment.

Do not hesitate to pose all the questions you have and get them answered during your house/flat search. This will prepare you for a smooth move into your new apartment community or your new house.

For more tips on questions to ask before you rent an apartment, check our next article here.