Ask about lease terms and what happens if you need to leave early

Before you tour, know what you are actually signing up for. Ask the landlord or property manager how long the lease runs — most are 12 months, but some are 6 months or month-to-month. Ask what happens if you need to break the lease: do you lose your deposit, pay a penalty, or owe rent through the end of the term? The answer varies widely by state and by lease, so get it in writing or ask them to email it to you after the tour.

Also ask whether the lease allows subletting — renting your apartment to someone else if you move out early. Some landlords forbid it entirely. Others allow it if they approve the new tenant. Knowing this before you sign matters because it affects your options if your situation changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Ask about the lease length, early termination fees, and whether you can sublet, because these terms vary by landlord and state and affect your options if you need to leave.
  • Request a walk-through with the landlord or manager present, and ask them to document any existing damage in writing before you move in.
  • Ask which utilities you pay and which the landlord covers, because this changes your actual monthly cost and your responsibility if service stops.
  • Find out the exact move-in costs — deposit, first month's rent, last month's rent, and any fees — so you know your total upfront expense.
  • Ask about maintenance response times, pest control, and snow removal, because these affect your daily living and your legal recourse if things break.

Clarify all costs before you commit

Ask the landlord to list every cost you will pay at move-in. This includes the security deposit, first month's rent, and last month's rent if they require it. Many landlords also charge process fees, administrative fees, or pet fees — ask whether these are refundable or non-refundable. Some charge for parking, trash, or amenities separately. Write down each number so you know your total upfront cost.

Then ask about monthly costs beyond rent. Which utilities do you pay — water, gas, electric, internet, trash? Which does the landlord cover? If the building has a laundry room, is it free or coin-operated? If there is a gym or pool, is it included or an extra charge? The difference between a $1,200 rent with utilities included and a $1,200 rent where you pay utilities separately can be $150 to $300 a month.

Ask about maintenance, repairs, and who responds when something breaks

Ask the landlord how they handle maintenance requests. Do you call, email, or use an online portal? How long do they typically take to respond to urgent issues like no heat or a burst pipe? What about non-urgent repairs like a leaky faucet or broken cabinet? Some landlords respond within 24 hours; others take weeks. In many states, landlords are legally required to make repairs within a certain timeframe, but the law varies by location, so knowing the landlord's actual practice matters.

Ask specifically about pest control. Does the landlord spray regularly, or only if you report a problem? Are you responsible for calling an exterminator at your own cost, or does the landlord cover it? Ask about snow removal if you live somewhere with winter weather — does the landlord clear the parking lot and walkways, or is that your responsibility? These are not small details; they affect whether you can actually use the apartment and what you can do if the landlord does not maintain it.

Request a documented walk-through before you move in

Ask whether the landlord will do a walk-through with you before you move in and document the condition of the apartment in writing. This protects you at move-out, when the landlord inspects the unit and decides what to deduct from your deposit. If there is already a hole in the wall, a stain on the carpet, or a broken window, you want that recorded so the landlord cannot charge you for it later.

During the tour, take photos or video of any damage you see — walls, floors, appliances, windows, doors. Ask the landlord to initial a written list of existing damage, or ask them to email you a summary after the tour. Keep this document; you will need it when you move out and the landlord returns your deposit.

Ask about the neighborhood and what is included with the unit

Ask what is included in the apartment itself. Does it come with appliances — refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, washer, dryer? Are they in working order? Ask about storage: how much closet space, and is there a basement or attic for boxes? Ask about parking: is it included, reserved, or first-come-first-served? Is there guest parking?

Ask about the building and neighborhood. Is there a doorman or security? Are there cameras in common areas? How is the lighting in the parking lot and hallways at night? Ask about noise — is the building quiet, or do you hear neighbors through the walls? Ask about the neighborhood: what is the nearest public transit, grocery store, or pharmacy? What is the crime rate? You can research some of this online, but the landlord or current tenants can tell you what it is actually like to live there.

Ask about tenant rights and what happens if there is a dispute

Ask the landlord how they handle disputes or complaints. If you have a problem with the apartment or the service, who do you contact first? Is there a formal complaint process? In some states and cities, tenants have specific legal rights — the right to a habitable apartment, the right to privacy, the right to organize — and landlords are required to follow certain procedures before they can evict. Knowing the landlord's approach to problems before you sign helps you decide whether this is someone you can work with.

Ask whether the landlord uses a property management company. If so, get the company's contact information. You may end up dealing with them more than the owner, so knowing who they are and how to reach them matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I ask to see the lease before the tour?

Yes. Ask the landlord to email you a copy of the lease before you tour the apartment. This lets you read the terms at home, ask questions, and decide whether you want to proceed. If the landlord refuses to share the lease until after you tour, that is a red flag.

What if the landlord will not answer my questions or seems evasive?

A landlord who avoids questions about maintenance, costs, or lease terms is signaling that they may not be responsive once you move in. Trust that instinct. There are other apartments; you do not have to rent from someone who will not be straightforward with you.

Can I ask to speak with current tenants?

You can ask, though the landlord is not required to provide their contact information. If you see someone in the building during your tour, you can ask them directly about their experience. Current tenants will tell you things the landlord will not.

What should I do if the landlord says something different than what is in the lease?

Get it in writing. If the landlord says they will fix something or waive a fee, ask them to email you a confirmation. Verbal promises are hard to enforce; written ones are not. Do not sign the lease until any verbal agreements are documented in writing or added to the lease itself.

Is it okay to negotiate the lease terms or rent amount?

You can ask, especially if you are a strong tenant — stable income, good credit, references. The worst the landlord can say is no. In a competitive rental market, landlords are less likely to negotiate; in a slower market, they may. It never hurts to ask, but do it before you sign.