Renting a property is a big decision often accompanied by many unknowns, and the situation could be worse if you’re executing it for the first time. When doing house hunting, there are many factors that you should take into account, for example, accessibility and the convenience of nearby amenities. The goal is to ensure you get an ideal apartment that suits your needs and preferences.
Asking specific questions will help you obtain all the necessary information to make informed decisions. But with many things running through your mind, it can be difficult to find the right questions to ask. Well, you don’t need to worry about such scenarios anymore; here are 7 must-ask questions when searching for a new home.
What Is the Monthly Rent?
First on the list is the amount of rent payable. Before signing a lease, you need to know the rent required and determine if it’s within your budget. Mostly, the rent of Nashville rental homes varies depending on many factors, like location and the property’s condition.
When trying to determine the amount of rent for your future home, start by finding out the exact lease (including charges that could be hidden) you’ll be paying each month so you can plan accordingly. Verify the due date of the rent and any associated late fines.
You also want to ask the landlord how often the rent changes as the lease term progresses. If you’re looking for a month-to-month or short-term lease, expect to pay a higher monthly rent.
What Documents are Required to Apply for the Rental Home?
As you choose a rental home, the ease of documentation is an important question to ask the landlord. The application procedure for a rental property tends to vary from one management to another.
While some landlords may only consider an application and a security deposit, others will additionally require a credit score and recommendations.
Who Stays Next Door?
If you want to know the level of tenant screening by the leasing agent, ask about your fellow tenants, such as whether your neighbor is a young or old family. It’s important to know who lives next to you to determine if their presence could interfere with your lifestyle. For instance, do they work at odd hours? Do they own any animals? Have any of the previous renters had any trouble with them? All these questions will help you gauge if the property fits you.
Who Is Responsible for Lawn Care?
In most cases, the landlord is responsible for mowing the grass and managing the landscape outside your apartment. However, some landlords delegate that responsibility to the tenants. So, if you don’t want to spend your free time mowing and doing landscape maintenance, ask the property owner about the costs to determine if it’s reasonable. Also, check with your landlord if the area has any gardening regulations.
What is the Policy on Pets?
Rental properties have special requirements, especially when it pertains to accommodating dogs. Getting up-front agreement on the acceptable cat and dog species and the maximum number of allowed pets. Ask the landlord about issues related to pets by asking them these questions;
- Can you tell me about the pet policies?
- How much weight does each pet don’t have to exceed?
- Is there a limit on the number of pets per house?
- Are there any breed restrictions?
- Is there a pet fee, and is it refundable?
- Is the pet cost recurring each month or paid only once?
What Utilities Are Included in the Rent?
Don’t make any assumptions about the utility costs associated with your new rental home. Find out what percentage of the monthly utility bill will be your responsibility during the house hunt. Comparable to a typical apartment building, the landlord may provide amenities like water and garbage collection, but you are responsible for paying for these services at the end of every month.
The utilities commonly included in the rent of a rental home can vary, but here is a list of utilities that are often left for the tenants to pay:
- Water bills
- Trash/Refuse Collection
- Heating
- Cooling
- Electricity
- Gas
- Internet/Cable
- Common Area Maintenance
What Is the Protocol for Repairs and Maintenance Requests?
Problems with the roof, kitchen appliances, and plumbing lines are more common in homes for rent than in apartment buildings. That is why it’s crucial to learn how the repair process works by reading the lease agreement.
Confirm whether the landlord employs their own staff members or allows you to call someone to fix equipment malfunctions, structural issues, and other problems. Property owners have the option of allowing tenants to deduct the cost of repairs from their monthly rent payments if they perceive it necessary.
Before finalizing the agreement, make sure you and the letting agent have settled on a timeframe for completing the essential repairs before moving in. The best estimate for such repairs is usually 48 hours. Some landlords may ignore your repair request for weeks or months.
Conclusion
When searching for a Nashville rental home, inquire about the cost of rent, necessary paperwork, neighbors, yard upkeep, pet policies, utility costs, and maintenance procedures. You can start your rental journey in Nashville off on the right foot by equipping yourself with the knowledge you need to make sound decisions and secure a comfortable home.
