Ask about lease terms and what you are actually paying

Before you hand over money, know exactly what the lease says and what costs are included. Many landlords quote a monthly rent but do not mention that utilities, trash, parking, or pet fees are separate. Ask for the lease in writing before you commit — do not rely on what someone told you verbally.

Request a full breakdown: base rent, each monthly fee, any required deposits (security deposit, pet deposit, parking deposit), and move-in costs. Ask whether rent increases are automatic after the first year and by how much. Some leases lock in the rate; others allow the landlord to raise it at renewal. Ask what happens if you break the lease early — the penalty can be one month's rent or the entire remaining balance, depending on the contract.

Confirm the lease start and end dates in writing. Confirm the exact unit number or address. Ask whether the lease includes any furnished items (appliances, furniture) and whether those are the landlord's responsibility to repair or yours. A missing detail in the lease often becomes a dispute later.

Key Takeaways

  • Get the full lease in writing before you move in, including all monthly costs, deposits, and what happens if you leave early.
  • Ask the landlord or property manager directly about utilities, maintenance responsibility, and how repairs are reported and handled.
  • Request the names and contact information of current tenants in the building so you can ask them about actual living conditions and landlord responsiveness.
  • Inspect the unit in writing with photos or video, document any existing damage, and get the landlord to sign off on the condition before you move in.
  • Understand your local tenant rights — what the landlord must provide, how much notice they must give for entry, and what they can and cannot deduct from your deposit.

Ask about maintenance, repairs, and who pays for what

Clarify who is responsible for different types of repairs. In most places, the landlord must maintain the structure, roof, plumbing, and heating. You are usually responsible for damage you cause. But the lease may shift some of these responsibilities, and you need to know before something breaks.

Ask how to report a repair — is there an online portal, a phone number, an email address, or a maintenance office? Ask how long the landlord has to respond. Many states require repairs to be made within a specific timeframe (often 14 to 30 days for non-emergency issues), but the lease may say something different. Ask what counts as an emergency — a burst pipe or no heat in winter usually is; a leaky faucet usually is not.

Ask whether the landlord or the tenant pays for utilities. If you pay, ask which utilities are included in the rent and which you cover separately. Ask whether the building has a master meter or individual meters for each unit. Ask about the average monthly cost for utilities in that unit, based on past tenants if possible.

Ask about the neighborhood and building conditions

Visit the building and unit at different times of day — morning, afternoon, and evening if you can. Ask the landlord or property manager about noise levels, parking availability, and safety. But do not stop there. Ask if you can speak with current tenants in the building. Most landlords will give you a name or two; if they refuse, that is a warning sign.

Ask current tenants directly: How responsive is the landlord to repair requests? How long does it take to get something fixed? Are there ongoing problems with the building — pest issues, water damage, mold? What is the noise situation like? Is parking actually available, or do you end up parking blocks away? What is the turnover like — do people stay or leave quickly?

Walk around the building and the block. Check for signs of neglect — broken windows, graffiti, trash, broken locks on common doors. Look at the parking lot or street parking. Look at the mailboxes and entry doors. These are the things the landlord cannot hide in a showing.

Ask about move-in and move-out procedures

Get the move-in walkthrough process in writing. Ask whether you and the landlord will inspect the unit together and document the condition. If they do not offer this, request it anyway. Take photos or video of every room, closet, and corner — especially any existing damage, stains, or wear. Get the landlord to sign a move-in inspection form that lists what was already there. This protects you when you move out, because the landlord cannot later claim you caused damage that was already present.

Ask about the move-out process. What condition must the unit be in? What does "normal wear and tear" mean in their view? Ask for a written list of what will be inspected and what deductions they might make from your security deposit. Ask how long after you move out they will return your deposit — most states require 30 to 45 days, but some allow longer. Ask whether they will provide an itemized list of deductions or just return what is left.

Ask whether you need to hire professional cleaners or whether regular cleaning is acceptable. Ask about carpet cleaning — some landlords require professional cleaning; others do not. Get the answer in writing so there is no dispute later.

Ask about your rights as a tenant

Your state and city have tenant laws that protect you. The landlord cannot override these in a lease, even if the lease says they can. But you need to know what your rights actually are. Ask the landlord or property manager what notice they must give before entering the unit (usually 24 to 48 hours, except emergencies). Ask what they can and cannot deduct from your security deposit (usually only unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, not routine cleaning or carpet replacement).

Ask whether the building is subject to rent control or rent stabilization. In some cities, landlords cannot raise rent above a certain percentage each year. In others, there are no limits. Ask whether the lease complies with local housing codes — for example, whether every bedroom has a window, whether there is adequate heat, whether smoke detectors are present.

Before you sign, look up your state or city tenant rights online. Many states have a housing authority or attorney general's office that publishes a tenant rights guide. Read it. If something in the lease conflicts with your state law, the law wins — but you will need to know that to enforce it.

Ask about pets, guests, and what you can and cannot do

If you have a pet, ask the pet policy in detail. Some buildings allow pets with no fee; others charge a monthly pet rent or a one-time pet deposit. Some allow only certain sizes or breeds. Ask whether the policy is in the lease or whether it can change. Ask what happens if you get a pet after you move in — can the landlord evict you, or can they charge you retroactively?

Ask about guests and overnight visitors. Most leases allow reasonable guests, but some restrict how long someone can stay or how often. Ask about subletting — can you rent out the unit or a room if you move? Some landlords allow it with permission; others forbid it entirely. If you think you might move out before the lease ends, this matters.

Ask what you can and cannot do in the unit — can you paint, hang shelves, install a window air conditioner, or make other changes? Can you smoke or use cannabis (where legal)? Can you run a business from the unit? Get these answers in writing, because they affect what you can do with the space.

Ask about the landlord's contact information and complaint procedures

Get the landlord's or property manager's name, phone number, email, and mailing address. Ask whether there is a property management company and get their contact information too. Ask who you contact for emergencies after hours — is there an on-call manager, a maintenance line, or a police non-emergency number?

Ask what the procedure is if you have a complaint or dispute. Is there a formal complaint process? Can you withhold rent if repairs are not made (in some states you can; in others you cannot)? What happens if you and the landlord disagree about something?

Ask whether the landlord or property manager has a website or online portal where you can pay rent, submit maintenance requests, or view lease documents. This can make communication easier and create a written record of your requests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I sign a lease if the landlord will not let me see it first?

No. A landlord who will not show you the lease before you sign is hiding something. You have the right to read and understand what you are signing. If they refuse, find a different apartment. A legitimate landlord will provide the lease in advance and give you time to review it.

What should I do if the landlord will not put something in writing?

Send them an email summarizing what they told you verbally and ask them to confirm it in writing. For example: "You mentioned the lease allows pets with no additional fee. Can you confirm that in writing?" A written record protects you if there is a dispute later. If they will not confirm it in writing, do not rely on it.

Can the landlord charge me for normal wear and tear when I move out?

No. In most states, landlords can only deduct from your security deposit for damage beyond normal wear and tear and unpaid rent. Normal wear and tear includes minor scuffs, faded paint, and worn carpet. If the landlord deducts for these things, you can dispute it. Check your state's specific rules — they vary.

What if I find a problem with the unit after I move in?

Report it to the landlord in writing (email is fine) as soon as possible. Keep a copy. In most states, if the landlord knew or should have known about a serious problem before you moved in, they are responsible for fixing it. If you discover mold, pest infestation, or lack of heat, report it when ready and document it with photos.

Do I need a lawyer to review the lease?

Not always, but it can help if the lease is long, complex, or includes unusual terms. Many legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost lease reviews for low-income renters. Your city or state bar association can refer you to affordable legal help. At minimum, read the lease yourself and ask questions about anything you do not understand.