Questions to Ask When Signing a Lease
Essential questions to clarify lease terms, understand your rights and responsibilities, and ensure you're making an informed decision about your rental agreement.
1What is the exact amount of rent and when is it due each month?
Click to see why this works
What is the exact amount of rent and when is it due each month?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies the basic financial obligation and payment schedule, ensuring you understand when and how much you need to pay.
2What is included in the rent and what utilities or services are covered?
Click to see why this works
What is included in the rent and what utilities or services are covered?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals what's included in your monthly payment and what additional costs you may need to budget for separately.
3What is the security deposit amount and what are the conditions for getting it back?
Click to see why this works
What is the security deposit amount and what are the conditions for getting it back?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows the upfront costs and what you need to do to ensure you receive your deposit back when you move out.
4What is the lease term and what happens if you need to break the lease early?
Click to see why this works
What is the lease term and what happens if you need to break the lease early?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies the commitment period and the consequences of ending the lease before the term expires.
5What is the policy on rent increases and how much notice will you receive?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on rent increases and how much notice will you receive?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals how rent may change over time and what advance notice you'll receive of any increases.
6What is the policy on pets and are there any restrictions or additional fees?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on pets and are there any restrictions or additional fees?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows whether you can have pets and what additional costs or restrictions may apply to pet ownership.
7What is the policy on subletting or having roommates?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on subletting or having roommates?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals your options for sharing the space or subletting if your circumstances change.
8What is the policy on maintenance and repairs, and who is responsible for what?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on maintenance and repairs, and who is responsible for what?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Clarifies what maintenance is covered by the landlord and what you're responsible for maintaining.
9What is the policy on parking and are there any restrictions or additional costs?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on parking and are there any restrictions or additional costs?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows your parking options and any additional costs or restrictions that may apply.
10What is the policy on guests and overnight visitors?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on guests and overnight visitors?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals any restrictions on having guests and what the landlord's expectations are for visitors.
11What is the policy on noise and quiet hours?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on noise and quiet hours?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows the noise expectations and any quiet hours that may be enforced in the building or neighborhood.
12What is the policy on smoking and are there any restrictions?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on smoking and are there any restrictions?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals whether smoking is allowed and what restrictions may apply to smoking in or around the property.
13What is the policy on alterations or improvements to the unit?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on alterations or improvements to the unit?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows what changes you can make to the space and whether you need permission for modifications.
14What is the policy on insurance and what coverage do you need?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on insurance and what coverage do you need?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals what insurance you need to have and what the landlord's insurance covers.
15What is the policy on late fees and what happens if you miss a payment?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on late fees and what happens if you miss a payment?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows the consequences of late payments and what fees may be charged for missed or late rent.
16What is the policy on entry and when can the landlord enter your unit?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on entry and when can the landlord enter your unit?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals your privacy rights and when the landlord can enter your space, which is important for your comfort and security.
17What is the policy on the lease renewal process and what are your options?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on the lease renewal process and what are your options?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows what happens at the end of the lease term and what options you have for renewing or extending the lease.
18What is the policy on the condition of the unit and what is expected when you move out?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on the condition of the unit and what is expected when you move out?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals what condition the unit should be in when you leave and what you need to do to avoid charges.
19What is the policy on the building or complex rules and regulations?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on the building or complex rules and regulations?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Shows any additional rules or regulations that may apply to living in the building or complex.
20What is the policy on the lease termination and what are the notice requirements?
Click to see why this works
What is the policy on the lease termination and what are the notice requirements?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Reveals the process for ending the lease and what notice you need to give to terminate the agreement.
How to Sign a Lease Successfully
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Read the Entire Lease Agreement
Don't just skim the lease. Read every section carefully to understand all terms, conditions, and obligations before signing.
Ask for Clarification on Any Unclear Terms
If anything in the lease is unclear or confusing, ask for clarification before signing. It's better to ask questions now than to have problems later.
Get Everything in Writing
Make sure all agreements and promises are included in the written lease. Verbal agreements are difficult to enforce and may not be legally binding.
Question Sequences
The Financial Terms Series
The Rules and Policies Series
Common Pitfalls
Don't Sign Without Understanding
Never sign a lease without fully understanding all terms and conditions. Ask questions and get clarification on anything that's unclear.
Don't Ignore the Fine Print
Pay attention to all details, including fees, penalties, and restrictions. These can have significant financial and practical implications.
Don't Skip the Walkthrough
Always do a thorough walkthrough of the unit before signing to document its condition and identify any existing issues or damage.