When you find the perfect rental space to live in for the semester or school year, your first instinct is likely to jump right in and sign the lease right away. However, if you do this, you may not be as mindful while reading the lease and you may miss crucial information you need to know about living in your space. Taking time to make sure you have all of the needed information and that all of your questions are answered will help save you a major headache down the line.

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How can rent be paid?

This is one of the most important questions to ask your landlord, especially if it is not in the lease. Some property managers may be more old-fashioned and want to stick to cash or check. Others may accept these or allow you to pay through a credit card, Paypal, Venmo, or an app. Knowing how your landlord accepts rent can help you navigate your new place and how to pay for it. If you live with roommates, this adds a whole other level of things to think about when it comes to rent. Does your property manager want everyone’s part in one sum or can everyone pay separately?

Who takes care of utilities?

Some property managers pay for utilities themselves and include this in the total rent. Others opt to have the tenants pay for the utilities separately from their rent. If utilities are separate, this usually means you have to have separate accounts for utilities to pay for them, meaning you have to stay on top of various accounts and payment deadlines. Knowing how utilities are managed and what companies you need to contact and pay is crucial so you have access to necessities like water, electricity, and even Wi-Fi. If your property manager takes care of paying for utilities, ask to see if there is a cap and if you have to pay for the difference if you go over the amount your landlord pays.

How are repairs and maintenance handled?

Living in a rental space means that you are typically not responsible for repairing things that break. However, you will have to make sure that you know the guidelines for putting in a repair request. Some landlords have designated hours where you call and they can come over to see what needs to be fixed. Others use apps where you can submit photos and/or videos of what needs to be fixed and they will send someone out. Make sure you know how this is done and if you need the app, be sure to have it downloaded and know how to use it before something breaks so that you are not struggling to figure it out when you need it most. Also, it is crucial that you know if you need to plow the sidewalk near your rental or not when it snows. Most landscaping is done by the landlord, but they may have you shovel the sidewalks when it snows. Knowing what you need to do will save you and your neighbors a lot of hassle down the line.

Do I need renter’s insurance?

While having renter’s insurance is a good idea, some landlords do not require it. Some may require a bare minimum amount of coverage while others require more coverage. Knowing if you need to get renter’s insurance and what kind of policy your landlord suggests is crucial, especially since this type of insurance protects you and your personal property. It is an added bit of money on top of other expenses, but it can help you save a lot of money and hassle in the long run.

What are the rules around subletting?

Life happens and living situations change. However, you signed a lease and you are usually stuck in the lease until it is up. One common way to handle this situation is to find someone to sublet your space for a bit of time or even for the remainder of the lease. It is crucial that you know your property manager’s rules about subletting and that you make the person who will be subletting aware of everything they need to know about the space and the policies so that you do not get in trouble. Also, it is important to know how much your landlord will help you in the process.

Can I have pets in the space?

If you have pets at home, you likely want to bring them with you when you move into your space. Some landlords allow certain animals while others do not let any pets in at all. Many landlords that do allow pets will require an additional deposit plus a monthly fee on top of your rent. This is to ensure that the landlord has the money needed to properly clean the property once you move out. It is also essential to know where you can walk your dog and the policy regarding “waste” disposal.

Having the information you need before you sign a lease is crucial. Slowing down and making sure your questions are answered now can save you headaches and hassle down the line.