Life on Campus

Questions to Ask Potential Landlords

  • Describe the apartment. How many rooms and what are their sizes?
  • How many closets? Is there additional storage space?
  • Does the landlord want a lease? Is there a rental agent's fee?
  • Are a security deposit and last month's rent required?
  • How long has the place been on the market? (If it's been on for months, you may want to take extra precaution.)
  • Does the landlord or a maintenance person live on the premises?
  • Who pays for utilities and how much do they cost?
  • Are pets allowed?
  • Is there carpeting? A dishwasher? Cable and/or internet hook-up?
  • Does the apartment contain lead paint?
  • Are there laundry facilities in the building? If not, where is the nearest laundromat?
  • What about grocery stores, dry cleaners, health clubs, restaurants, libraries, and parks?
  • Is free parking available? How close is public transportation?
  • Are the other tenants in the building single, married, or families? Professionals or students?
  • How safe is the neighborhood?
  • Who handles maintenance problems? Is there 24-hour emergency service?