Housing is a basic need, so unless your life took a series of unfortunate turns, you’re eventually going to buy or rent accommodation. Moving in comes with an assortment of privileges and freedoms. You get to, within reason, rule where you live. You decide when to sleep, who can come over, when you come back home, what you put in, etc.
But these freedoms are restricted by reason and if you’re renting, your landlord. Here are some questions you need to ask your landlord before moving in to clarify your rights and arrangement.
Rent and Utilities
Regardless of wherever you found out about the accommodation’s price, make sure you ask the landlord about it. The price on the listing may have been outdated, and the price might actually be lower. Alternatively, the landlord may say the price is higher than was advertised. Clarifying the price should be at the top of your question list. Second to the price question should be asking about the utility costs. The rent and utility costs will ultimately determine whether you can afford the apartment or house.
Non-Refundable Deposits and Fees
No statute in Pennsylvania prohibits placing non-refundable fees on the lease. Despite that, you should still ask if there are any non-refundable deposits or fees included in the lease, and what they’re for. At the very least, it’ll clarify the rental process for you.
Screening Process
Landlords evaluate prospective tenants according to a criteria. Asking them about their standards will help you figure out a few things. Firstly, you’ll know what is expected of you if you do ultimately move in. Secondly, it’ll help you clarify any mentioned or unmentioned screening or application fees. If your landlord wants to check your credit, they’ll ask for your credit report. Ask them if they want a soft or hard inquiry. If they don’t know which kind of inquiry they want, it’s a red flag.
Lease Duration
This should be third to the rent and utility-cost questions. Ask your landlord how long they’re hoping to lease the accommodation for and compare it with how long you’re willing to commit. For instance, if the landlord is looking for a two-year lease, but you’re only ready to commit for one, everything else is moot.
Even if you’re renting shelter, it’s a valuable asset, and you’ll be placing your valuable property in it too. However, insuring rental property can be a confusing process. Get in touch with us at the Gilmartin Insurance Agency, and we’ll sort out all your confusions. We’re an insurance agency that offers rental/landlord insurance, as well as auto, house, and car insurance. We’re located in Scranton, PA, but we also provide our services in Dunmore, Jim Thorpe, Pittston, Lehighton, and Clarks Summit, PA.
