Questions You Should Ask Your Potential Landlord

Before you sign the contract, remember to nail down specifics of what you can and cannot do in the rented property.

These questions must be carefully thought of before you meet the landlord and should be unique to your needs.

There is, however, a list of generic but crucial things you should discuss with the landlord;

1. Utilities: Are they included? If they are, are the costs incurred absorbed or already added in the monthly rent? What kinds of utilities are included and what are not?

2. Changes to the property: Are you allowed to paint the walls, hang paintings or do other decorative things during your tenure? Can you fix up the property? Canyou drill holes in the wall? How much remodelling are you allowed to do?

3. Pets: Are pets allowed? If yes, what type of pets? If no, you can suggest a ‘pet interview’ with the landlord so he can make a decision after meeting your pet.

4. Neighbourhood: What is the neighbourhood like and if possible, how are the tenants? How safe is the neighbourhood? How close by are the amenities?

5. Security: Are there security alarms installed? What kind of locks are you issued? Can you get your own locks/install your own security alarm?

6. Appliances: What appliances and furniture are included? Can you replace them with your own?

7. Parking: Do you get parking space?

8. Subletting: Can you have guests stay with you for an extended period of time?

Once you have established the boundaries of what you can and cannot do, make sure that what was agreed on is included in the contract.

Vet it with the help of your lawyer or real estate agent before signing.