Introduction
Though real estate agents can help you find an apartment, they’re not always the best people to recommend which one is right for you. In general, they are focused on making a commission while offering little else in return. They might make up a story about how their property is great and that you should try it out. But in reality, the apartments might have bed bugs or be crowded with noise pollution.
The following are the top questions to ask yourself when considering letting agents near you:
Do you have a reliable water supply?
Bathroom ventilation and lighting are important to remove harmful bacteria and humidity. It’s important to know how the toilets flush, what the water pressure is for showers, and how often your toilet is cleaned. Make sure it’s clean regularly. Also, make sure that the drain doesn’t get clogged. Not all letting agents will tell you about the toilet clogging up or other issues such as leaks so it is best to check with them first before signing a contract.
Do they allow pets?
Some apartments ban pets while others don’t. A few letting agents will ask you to pay additional fees for a pet but most won’t. This is also a good way to tell whether the apartment building is taken care of by the landlord because if they’re allowing pets, then chances are that they are paying attention to the activities of their tenants and well maintained the property. In terms of renting a property that allows pets, you should look at how many they allow per building and how big those pets can be. It’s best to discuss this with your potential landlord or letting agent first before signing a contract.
Do they come in to check on the property often?
This is just another way of determining how well landlords take care of their property. After entering into a contract with you, it is common for landlords to send in inspectors to check your apartment for damages or changes that might not be up to their standards. While some letting agents will help you with these inspections and make sure that everything is okay before the inspection, others won’t care as long as they don’t see any damage in the inspection. That is why it’s important to know who your landlord or letting agent is before signing a contract with them.
How close is the apartment complex to your school or workplace?
If you’re trying to find an apartment near your school or workplace, it’s best to search for one within a walking distance and with fast public transportation. The more convenient it is to get there, the less likely you are to worry about missing a class or missing work.
How much are the monthly payments?
You must consider your budget when searching for an apartment. If you can’t stand paying high rent prices, it’s best to look for something within a price range you can afford. Just keep in mind that some apartments might require additional amounts such as a security deposit. If you’re not sure what the monthly rent is, ask the landlord or letting agent. It’s best to get a rental agreement or lease transfer before signing an apartment contract.
What’s their payment schedule?
Some landlords might prefer to receive every month but others prefer weekly payments. They might also have different payment options depending on the apartment you choose to rent. For example, having different payment options makes it easier for tenants to pay their monthly rent if they don’t have cash on hand. Make sure to check out your potential landlord’s terms and conditions before signing a contract with them.