Usually, rent is due on the first of every month, but you should always clarify that with your apartment.

If the payment is electronic see if you can opt for early payments or automatic payments. 

If you’re paying your rent on time every month you can report it to credit bureaus to boost your credit score!

Some apartments have an add-on service that will report your rent for you, so ask if they provide that before subscribing to a rent reporting service.

Are there late fees? Make sure you know exactly how much that fee is and what the grace period is.

Most apartments will require you to submit documents to be approved as a tenant. They can require an application fee for a background check.

 Become aware of how much the application fee is, the documents that are required, and whether or not it is refundable.

A security deposit is also usually required after being approved.

The amount of a security deposit can vary between one or three months of rent. Budget accordingly and make sure you already have that deposit set aside.

Buildings will usually cover utilities like water and garbage. The resident usually pays gas, electricity, and heating costs.

The costs of utilities will usually be included in your rent, but verify that with your apartment. 

The property manager should also be able to tell the average costs of utilities for residents.

While you don’t enter a lease anticipating that you’ll have to terminate it early, sometimes things come up.

 Does the apartment allow for early termination? If so what are the fees attached to termination? 

Some rental properties will require you to pay out the duration of your lease. 

This will also be determined in your lease, but be sure to check your state laws on lease termination as well.

What amenities are available in the apartment building?

 Some apartment buildings have great amenities like pools, lounge areas, gyms, and more! 

Ask if they host any events at the apartment too. This is a great way to network or to get to know your neighbors!

Is renter insurance required, if so does the apartment provide an add-on service for this?

I feel it’s important for all renters to have renters insurance. It helps to protect you from things that are out of your control! 

When looking for your renter’s insurance make sure that your renter’s insurance plan complies with the lease.

Is there a pet policy for the apartment complex? What animals they do allow? It’s standard to allow for dogs and cats, but what about other animals?

Some apartments have breed restrictions. Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date because some apartments ask for paperwork!

Ask if there is a monthly fee for pet rent, if so see if you can get it eradicated with an ESA letter!

 There are many companies online that will help you with an ESA Letter, this one is my personal favorite.

Do you have to pay monthly for parking or is it included in your rent?

Some apartment buildings have parking lots, valet, or parking garages. Compare all the prices of those parking options and see what’s best for your budget.

After finding out how much parking will be for yourself, it’s important to know the options for guests.

Ask if guests are allowed to park on the premises for free or how much it would cost your guest to park there.

 Where will they park, is it in the same area as your lot or a separate area? Is overnight parking allowed and is it at risk of being towed?

Are you able to sublet your apartment or Airbnb it?

You never know when personal life could require you to move on short notice or maybe you would like to make an extra income by hosting your property on Airbnb. 

Some apartment communities are against subletting, so make sure this is okay with your building. 

Hosting your apartment on Airbnb is a great way to make passive income while you’re on vacation. This is also ideal if you travel a lot for work.

Some apartments provide storage with your unit.

This can be included in your rent or range between $10-$50. Maybe you have items you’d rather not keep in your apartment. 

It is a great way to store away any seasonal decorations, excess decor items, luggage, and more.

How secure and safe am I in this building? Are keys routinely changed after a tenant moves out? You want to feel safe when you’re living in a new building.

Ask if they have surveillance cameras, a doorman, or fob access.

Regardless if they have these features in place there are items you can purchase to feel as safe as possible in your unit. 

I love this security door stopper from Amazon, and this ring door camera is a great option for anyone living alone.

Is there a maintenance crew that you can get ahold of immediately when there’s an issue in your apartment?

 If you’re experiencing an emergency issue in your apartment like a leak, toilet clog, or water pressure issue it’s reassuring to know that you can contact maintenance immediately. 

Familiarize yourself with how you can get in contact with maintenance when needed!

What if you want to cut down on costs and are interested in finding a roommate to add to the rent?

Ask your apartment complex if you’re able to do this during your lease term.

Usually, the apartment would require both names of the tenants to appear on the lease agreement. 

Find out what your apartment’s policy is on adding a roommate so you don’t find yourself violating the lease agreement. 

If you want to rent in an older building it’s a good idea to ask about pest issues. Pest control should be covered by your rent.

Your apartment building should either automatically treat for pests each month or have an option for you to schedule pest control each month.