Things

What measures are taken to secure the building ?

Are the walls thin? Brief info of who lives in the building. Are they college kids? People that work through the day? Elderly? Is it a mix? Where does the garbage go?

Is there a credit check fee? (shouldn’t be over $25. shouldn’t even exist really but credit check fees at $125, 150? robbery)

Ask about the intercom system, ask about security cameras, ask about the locks on the front door. One place I looked at, the building was locked, and the broker jimmied the front door open with his business card. If the broker could do it, so could a rapist

Is there a live-in super? (godsends, heroes) If so ask to meet them. A lazy, ignorant, or uncaring super is a nightmare waiting to happen. An active, interested, proud one is excellent, even better if they’re union

How do I pay my rent? (Check, money order?) Can I pay online? (If check/money order mailed in is the only way, make sure to get receipts for sending the rent out every month!! Critical!! Keep your proof of payments made on time every time in case they get on some foul shit. Landlords are out  here to screw you and make money)

When does the lease renew? Can I negotiate a two-year option at a reduced monthly rate? Can I get $50, $100, $200 off the rent? (it doesn’t hurt to ask!!) Does the rent go up significantly after a year, two years? (Places with “introductory rents” or rent deals may do this to you… you may not be able to afford that apt once it goes up to its regular price!)

Is this apt rent-controlled or rent-stabilized? (NYC thing, godsend)

Have there ever been bed bugs in this apartment/in this building? (at least in nyc they are legally obligated to disclose this to you i believe)

What documents do they REALLY NEED for the application? (lots of places will want a former landlord recommendation letter… lots of places will also just let that shit slide if you have most of your packet together)

when and for what reasons are your landlords allowed to enter your home? how much of a notice should they give you before entering?

can the landlord make modifications to your home or apartment without your approval? to what extent?

what are the options and conditions for breaking your lease early if there’s an emergency? (this is ESPECIALLY important for anyone moving to a new state/considerable distance where you are not able to visit the apartment/home before you rent – students get taken advantage of ALL THE TIME with this shit)

if your first or last month at the property is a partial stay (i.e. you move in on july 15th, and rent is typically due on the first) make sure you don’t pay the full first month’s rent before you know the area laws! in many states, you are only legally required to pay for the time you are occupying the property

is renter’s insurance necessary? many apartments want at least 30k coverage, which can run a couple hundred dollars extra per year

-ask if there’s been any consistent/frequent trouble with electricity/internet connectivity/cable if you have it

-what KIND of electricity? 

-what kind of heating (hot water/electric)

-how secure is the neighborhood (if you don’t know) 

Landlord access (if it’s not a live in landlord) is a biggie - I’ve been hit by this before and have heard of worse cases too. Make sure you hold them accountable to what they put in the contract.

Bonus: