Questions to Ask on an Apartment Tour
Essential questions to ask when touring apartments to ensure you make an informed decision and avoid costly surprises.
1What's included in the rent and what are additional costs?
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What's included in the rent and what are additional costs?
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Why this works
Critical for budgeting - clarifies what utilities, amenities, and services are covered versus what you'll pay extra for.
2What's the application process and what documents do I need?
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What's the application process and what documents do I need?
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Why this works
Helps you prepare for the application and understand requirements like credit checks, references, and income verification.
3What's the lease term and what happens if I need to break it?
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What's the lease term and what happens if I need to break it?
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Why this works
Important for understanding your commitment and potential costs if your situation changes.
4How do I report maintenance issues and what's the typical response time?
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How do I report maintenance issues and what's the typical response time?
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Why this works
Shows how responsive management is to problems and ensures you'll have support when things break.
5What's the parking situation and is there additional cost?
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What's the parking situation and is there additional cost?
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Why this works
Essential if you have a car - clarifies parking availability, costs, and any restrictions or requirements.
6What's the pet policy and are there any restrictions?
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What's the pet policy and are there any restrictions?
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Why this works
Important if you have pets or plan to get one - covers fees, breed restrictions, and any special requirements.
7How is the building security and what safety measures are in place?
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How is the building security and what safety measures are in place?
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Why this works
Critical for your safety - covers building access, security systems, and emergency procedures.
8What's the noise level like, especially from neighbors and street traffic?
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What's the noise level like, especially from neighbors and street traffic?
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Why this works
Helps you assess if the apartment will be quiet enough for your needs and lifestyle.
9What amenities are available and are there any usage restrictions?
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What amenities are available and are there any usage restrictions?
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Why this works
Clarifies what facilities you can use, when they're available, and any rules or additional costs.
10What's the policy on guests and overnight visitors?
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What's the policy on guests and overnight visitors?
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Why this works
Important for understanding rules about having guests stay over and any potential restrictions.
11How do I get internet and cable set up, and are there preferred providers?
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How do I get internet and cable set up, and are there preferred providers?
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Why this works
Essential for modern living - clarifies internet options, setup process, and any building-specific requirements.
12What's the laundry situation - in-unit, building, or nearby?
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What's the laundry situation - in-unit, building, or nearby?
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Why this works
Important for daily living - covers laundry facilities, costs, and convenience factors.
13What's the heating and cooling situation and who controls the temperature?
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What's the heating and cooling situation and who controls the temperature?
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Why this works
Affects comfort and utility costs - clarifies HVAC systems and temperature control options.
14What's the policy on decorating, painting, or making changes to the apartment?
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What's the policy on decorating, painting, or making changes to the apartment?
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Why this works
Important if you want to personalize your space - covers what changes are allowed and any restrictions.
15What's the building's policy on packages and mail delivery?
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What's the building's policy on packages and mail delivery?
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Why this works
Affects convenience and security - covers package handling, mail delivery, and any special procedures.
16What's the neighborhood like in terms of safety, amenities, and transportation?
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What's the neighborhood like in terms of safety, amenities, and transportation?
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Why this works
Helps you assess the overall living experience and convenience of the location.
17What's the building's policy on smoking and are there designated areas?
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What's the building's policy on smoking and are there designated areas?
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Why this works
Important for health and comfort - covers smoking policies and any designated smoking areas.
18What's the policy on subletting or having roommates?
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What's the policy on subletting or having roommates?
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Why this works
Important for flexibility - covers rules about subletting, adding roommates, or changing living arrangements.
19What's the building's policy on noise complaints and how are they handled?
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What's the building's policy on noise complaints and how are they handled?
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Why this works
Shows how management handles conflicts and ensures you'll have recourse if neighbors are too loud.
20What's the move-in process and what should I expect on move-in day?
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What's the move-in process and what should I expect on move-in day?
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Why this works
Helps you prepare for moving day and understand what to expect during the transition.
Making the Right Apartment Choice
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
How to Make the Most of Your Apartment Tour
Visit at Different Times
Tour during different times of day to assess noise levels, natural light, and overall atmosphere.
Test Everything
Turn on faucets, flush toilets, test lights, and check that appliances work properly during your tour.
Look for Signs of Problems
Check for water damage, pests, poor maintenance, or other issues that could affect your living experience.
Ask About Recent Improvements
Find out what's been updated recently and what might need attention in the near future.
Hidden Costs to Consider
Utilities and Services
Factor in electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, and any other utilities not included in rent.
Parking and Storage
Consider costs for parking spaces, storage units, or other amenities that might have additional fees.
Application and Move-in Fees
Account for application fees, security deposits, first and last month's rent, and any other upfront costs.
Pet Fees and Deposits
If you have pets, factor in pet deposits, monthly pet rent, and any additional cleaning fees.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Poor Maintenance
Signs of neglect like broken fixtures, peeling paint, or dirty common areas often indicate poor management.
High Turnover
If many units are vacant or there's frequent tenant turnover, this could indicate problems with the building or management.
Unresponsive Management
If management is difficult to reach, unhelpful, or evasive about your questions, this will likely continue after you move in.
Safety Concerns
Poor lighting, broken locks, or other security issues are red flags that shouldn't be ignored.