Questions to Ask During Virtual Apartment Tour
Critical questions to ask during a virtual apartment tour to assess condition, amenities, neighborhood, lease terms, and potential issues when you can't visit in person.
1Can you show me each room slowly and from multiple angles?
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Can you show me each room slowly and from multiple angles?
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Why this works
Ensures you get a complete view—agents may rush or skip problem areas.
2What is the square footage, and can you show the floor plan?
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What is the square footage, and can you show the floor plan?
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Why this works
Video can distort space—confirm actual size and layout.
3Can you test the water pressure and show me the condition of appliances?
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Can you test the water pressure and show me the condition of appliances?
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Why this works
Functional issues aren't visible in photos—see them work in real-time.
4What's the natural lighting like throughout the day?
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What's the natural lighting like throughout the day?
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Why this works
Lighting affects livability—understand what time of day tour is filmed.
5Can you show me the storage spaces, closets, and any basement or attic access?
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Can you show me the storage spaces, closets, and any basement or attic access?
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Why this works
Storage is often overlooked—confirm what's available.
6What's included in the rent—utilities, parking, internet, trash?
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What's included in the rent—utilities, parking, internet, trash?
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Why this works
Additional costs add up—clarify what's covered.
7Can you walk through the building's common areas, laundry, and entry?
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Can you walk through the building's common areas, laundry, and entry?
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Why this works
Shared spaces reveal building condition and maintenance quality.
8What is the neighborhood like—noise level, safety, walkability?
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What is the neighborhood like—noise level, safety, walkability?
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Why this works
Can't assess in person—ask about nearby amenities and environment.
9Are there any current maintenance issues or recent repairs?
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Are there any current maintenance issues or recent repairs?
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Why this works
Reveals problems that may recur or aren't fully fixed.
10What is the pet policy, and are there any breed or size restrictions?
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What is the pet policy, and are there any breed or size restrictions?
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Why this works
Pet rules vary—confirm before committing if you have pets.
11Can I speak with current tenants about their experience?
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Can I speak with current tenants about their experience?
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Why this works
Residents reveal truth about management, maintenance, and living conditions.
12What's the guest and visitor policy?
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What's the guest and visitor policy?
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Why this works
Some buildings restrict overnight guests—know the rules.
13How quickly does maintenance respond to requests?
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How quickly does maintenance respond to requests?
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Why this works
Response time affects quality of life—ask for examples.
14What's the lease term, and are short-term or month-to-month options available?
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What's the lease term, and are short-term or month-to-month options available?
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Why this works
Flexibility matters if your plans are uncertain.
15What are the moveout and security deposit terms?
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What are the moveout and security deposit terms?
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Why this works
Understand how deposits are returned and what conditions cause forfeiture.
16Can you send me a video of the unit at different times of day?
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Can you send me a video of the unit at different times of day?
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Why this works
Lighting, noise, and activity vary—see it in multiple conditions.
17What's the application process, and what are the qualification requirements?
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What's the application process, and what are the qualification requirements?
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Why this works
Credit, income, and background requirements vary—know if you'll qualify.
18Are there any upcoming renovations or construction nearby?
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Are there any upcoming renovations or construction nearby?
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Why this works
Noise and disruption from construction affect livability.
19Can I do a live virtual walkthrough where I direct the camera?
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Can I do a live virtual walkthrough where I direct the camera?
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Why this works
Interactive tours let you focus on your priorities and concerns.
20What's your cancellation policy if I sign but can't move in?
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What's your cancellation policy if I sign but can't move in?
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Why this works
Protects you if plans change before move-in.
Vetting Apartments Remotely
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Request Multiple Videos and Photos
Don't rely on one staged tour—ask for additional angles and unedited footage.
Use Google Street View and Maps
Explore the neighborhood virtually to assess walkability, amenities, and safety.
Read Online Reviews
Check Google, Yelp, and apartment review sites for tenant feedback on management.
Virtual Tour Checklist
What to Assess
Common Pitfalls
Signing Without Seeing It Live
Virtual tours hide issues—if possible, have a trusted local friend visit in person before you commit.
Trusting Marketing Photos Only
Professional photos are staged and edited—demand real-time video proof.