When you’re looking at local apartments for rent, the competition can be fierce — for the renting companies or landlords, that is. You might have a variety of options to choose from. If multiple apartments seem like they’d be a good fit for you, asking a number of questions before you decide to sign a lease can help you narrow down your options and end up in the apartment that’s just right for you.
Must-Ask Questions About Local Apartments for Rent
How Much is the Rent?While you don’t want to pick local apartments for rent purely based on price alone, as a college student, the cost of rent is likely to be a factor. You might not need to ask how much rent is, as many landlords or apartment companies are pretty forthcoming about that information. But, some might not reveal it right away or might not include the cost of rent in the listing. When you ask about rent, you want to find out if the amount is for the entire apartment or is per person.
What’s Included in the Rent?Some local apartments for rent include a variety of utilities and extras in the monthly rent. Others don’t. You want to find out if you’ll be responsible for electric, gas or water before you move in. It also helps to get an idea of how much you can expect to pay, on average, for those utilities, if they aren’t included in your rent. Don’t forget to ask if cable TV and Internet are part of the rent price, too. Some places offer free WiFi to all tenants, while others expect you to connect those services on your own.
Are Late Fees Charged, and When?You’ll make every effort to pay your rent on time. But, problems can arise; for example, you might be sick and unable to get to the leasing office with your check. It’s a good idea to find out if the rental company charges a fee for late rent payments and what that fee is. It’s also a good idea to ask about a grace period. For example, the rental company might give you a five day grace period before your rent is officially late.
What Happens if Something Breaks?You hope that nothing breaks when you’re living in an apartment, but it can still happen. Usually, the landlord or rental company will take care of repairs if something included with the apartment breaks, such as a refrigerator or the washer. But, you still want to double check and make sure those repairs are covered. It also helps to know if there are any exceptions to the rule or anytime the company won’t cover the cost of repairs.
How Long is the Lease and What Happens if You Leave Early?A lease is a contract, and when you sign it, you’re agreeing to pay rent on a property for a certain amount of time, whether you live there or not. Find out the start and end dates of the lease before you sign, and if you have the option of extending it. Although you plan on being there for the length of the lease, it also helps to find out what happens if you have to leave early. Some places expect you to keep paying your rent; others might let you get a subtenant to take over your share of the lease.
When you’re looking at local apartments for rent near UGA, be sure to look at The Mark. Our local apartments for rent are designed with the needs of students in mind. Contact us today to schedule a tour and to learn more.