Final Up to date on October 8, 2022
It’s simple to be lured by engaging images and a listing of facilities whenever you’re condo looking. However until you view the condo and ask the suitable questions upfront, you gained’t know what to anticipate when transferring into your new residence. As the owner or property supervisor reveals you the area, ask loads of questions when touring an condo to make sure it’s match to your wants.
What to ask when touring an condo
1. How a lot is the month-to-month lease, safety deposit, and move-in price?
Get a good suggestion of what it would price you to maneuver in and pay your lease each month. Does the owner require first and final month’s lease as a safety deposit? Is there a separate move-in price as effectively? You also needs to ask when lease is due, if there’s a grace interval, and what late charges will likely be assessed for those who don’t pay on time. And see if you’ll find out if there are plans for future lease will increase.
2. Are any utilities included?
Ask if the lease contains any utilities, equivalent to gasoline or electrical energy. If you happen to’ll be accountable for paying the utilities your self, discover out which service suppliers you’ll must contact to arrange the utilities in your identify.
3. What are the lease phrases and what occurs if I break my lease?
Earlier than touring an condo, ask how lengthy you’ll be required to remain within the condo when you signal the lease settlement. Then, ask about what would occur for those who wanted to maneuver out earlier than that point. Would there be a financial penalty, or would the property supervisor be prepared to permit it in sure conditions?
Additionally, ask what is going to occur when it’s time for lease renewal. Will you be capable of proceed on a month-to-month lease? If the lease phrases aren’t to your liking, negotiating the lease could also be a risk. As you go over the lease settlement along with your landlord, overview these inquiries to ask when signing a lease.
4. Can I sublet my condo?
Whether or not you assume you would possibly transfer out early otherwise you wish to journey whereas residing in your new condo, ask about subletting. Is it allowed and what permissions do you want earlier than you possibly can go forward with it? Some landlords could enable subletting, however could desire to seek out and display screen the short-term tenant themselves.
5. Is renters insurance coverage required?
One of many necessary inquiries to ask is whether or not you’ll want a renters insurance coverage coverage. Renters insurance coverage is often inexpensive, however it’s extra cash each month on high of your lease funds, so you ought to be ready to account for it in your funds.
6. Who’s the property supervisor and the way do I submit upkeep requests?
Get the identify of the administration firm and analysis on-line evaluations earlier than touring an condo. You also needs to ask how they deal with emergency repairs at their condo complexes. Consider whether or not the method appears easy and whether or not upkeep companies are readily accessible.
7. What’s the condo group’s visitor coverage?
Discover out what would occur if a buddy got here to remain for every week or longer. Whereas most condo communities enable company, some place limits on how lengthy they will keep. It is best to know the way the method works for longer visits.
8. What’s the pet coverage and are there pet charges?
Ask whether or not the condo group is pet-friendly and if there are further prices to have a pet in your new residence. Some landlords could cost pet lease or increased lease costs, whereas others could require a one-time pet price or refundable pet deposit. Be sure you can afford to maintain your furry buddy with you within the condo.
9. What are the group guidelines and what would lead to eviction?
Earlier than you go touring an condo, ensure you perceive the condo constructing’s insurance policies, particularly if that is your first rental residence. You possibly can get evicted for defaulting in your lease, however are there different behaviors that might get you thrown out? For instance, ask in regards to the noise coverage and smoking coverage.
10. The place is parking for the constructing?
Ask in regards to the parking state of affairs. Is there a parking storage or parking zone? If that’s the case, ask to see it in your condo tour. If there’s solely road parking, ensure you examine again at a few totally different instances through the day to verify there are spots out there.
11. What’s the utility course of and utility price?
When you’re able to take the subsequent steps, ask how rapidly you’ll must submit your rental utility and what rental utility questions could also be requested. Additionally, discover out in regards to the utility price and what types of fee are accepted.
What do you have to search for whereas touring an condo?
Renting an condo with out touring it can put you at an obstacle. That’s as a result of seeing the condo advanced in particular person means that you can examine on points which will influence your high quality of life in your new residence. Right here’s how one can tour an condo and search for potential pink flags.
Grounds and exterior upkeep
If you’re touring an condo, examine to verify the advanced appears to be like effectively taken care of. Uncared for grounds and deteriorating exteriors are pink flags that the constructing shouldn’t be being correctly maintained.
Pest points
Ask if there has ever been an infestation of mattress bugs and what the property supervisor did to remediate the problem. Examine for rodents, roaches, and different pest issues as effectively.
Proximity of facilities
Your new condo could include lots of perks, however are they accessible to you? Examine how far-off the laundry room is out of your condo and whether or not you may get a parking spot shut by, for instance.
Security of the constructing and neighborhood
If it’s your first time within the space the place you’re touring an condo, ensure you would really feel comfy strolling across the neighborhood alone. It’s possible you’ll want to go to the constructing at night time to get an correct sense of the protection of the neighborhood.
Water stress, home equipment, and retailers
Examine the water stress and temperature, ensure the home equipment are practical, and take a look at the retailers along with your telephone charger.
Mobile phone reception and Wi-Fi
Place a telephone name from the condo to check the reception. And ask if there’s dependable web out there, particularly for those who’ll be working remotely.
Let Dwellsy provide help to discover your subsequent condo
House looking doesn’t should be a headache. Dwellsy can assist you slim down your choices, so that you solely should tour residences that meet your standards. With over 13 million properties in a single place and strong filters to make your condo search simpler, Dwellsy is your one-stop store for residences. Discover your subsequent residence in the present day.