Getting a new apartment can be a stressful time, meaning it might be easy to forget some things throughout the process. There’s a lot going on when moving into a new apartment. From making sure you know the parking situation to lease renewal details to understanding the rules around paying your rent – it can be a lot to take in.
All landlords are different, and include different stipulations and expectations with every lease. When searching for apartments for rent in Minneapolis, it’s important to make sure there aren’t any gray areas surrounding these expectations. By asking the right questions, it can keep you away from a potentially bad situation, or get you into a better situation than you originally expected.
Know Your Lease
Rent is the most important aspect for just about every renter and landlord. Knowing the ins and outs regarding rent and late fees are crucial for every renter, so don’t be afraid to ask. You might know the amount of the rent, but finding out the proper method – paying via check, cash, online, etc. – as well as the proper due date is important. Along those lines, find out about late fees. Knowing the amounts and when they trigger can keep you clear on these policies to avoid any fines or fees. Along these lines, make sure to ask about who pays utilities and other services, and if they’re calculated in your rent or not.
The lease should also detail items like the parking situation, landlord’s entry rights, and policies for hosting guests. Take the time to go over these parts of the lease with the landlord to avoid any confusion or surprises. If any of these things are not in the lease, bring them up. You don’t want to have a couple of friends over and find out they’re not welcome, and that their cars have been towed when they leave. Some of these lease items might seem trivial, but taking the time to ask clarifying questions can go a long way in determining if the rules are right for you.
Get Details For When It’s Time to Leave
Even if you find the perfect apartment, you might not be there forever. Moving out might seem like a long way away, but get those details when you’re moving in so there are no surprises. Ask the landlord about your options for lease renewal, the circumstances around getting your security deposit refunded, and how much notice you have to give before leaving the property.
If you plan on staying for a long time, be sure to ask the landlord about the policies surrounding making changes or improvements to the apartment. Sometimes the landlord will help with the costs since you’re improving their property, but many don’t want any changes made. Also be sure to ask about renters’ insurance and the pet policy, because those could also impact your monthly rent.
Finding the right apartment is an important decision, and not everything can be seen from the surface. Making sure you ask the right questions can help make the decision easier. For more information on finding the right apartment, reach out to the experts at Classic City Apartments today.