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9 Essential Questions to Ask Your Hampton Landlord Before You Move In

Hampton Property Manager Showing a Rental PropertyIf you’re looking for a new place to live, a Hampton single-family rental home may be the perfect fit. There are certain questions you must ask your landlord before signing the lease. Outlined in this blog post are the most vital questions that must be considered before moving into a rental home. This will ensure that you have all of the data necessary to make a wise decision.

1. Are there any deposits or non-refundable fees required, and what are they for?

Some landlords will ask for a security deposit, while others will demand a nonrefundable cleaning fee. Ask about any deposits or fees so you can plan ahead.

2. What is included in the monthly rent (e.g., water, electricity, internet)?

While some landlords include utilities in their monthly rent, other landlords do not. Utilities can dramatically increase the expense of living in a rental, so be careful to inquire about who will be responsible for what. Even better, request an estimate of all utility costs based on the usage of the prior tenant.

3. How often is the rent due, and when is a late fee assessed?

Don’t forget to inquire about the due date for rent and the repercussions of being late. The majority of Hampton property managers require rent to be paid on the first of each month, however, some may grant a grace period of a few days before incurring a late fee. Ensure you inquire about this so you may make appropriate plans.

4. What payment methods does the landlord accept?

Some landlords take just checks, while others may allow payments via the internet. It’s helpful to know which payment methods your landlord accepts so you can decide if they’ll work for you. Some tenants may not want to deal with the hassle of paying their rent in person or having their landlord come to their door every month to collect it. If rent is not paid electronically, some landlords demand an additional fee to process the payment. In any case, it is essential to pose this question in order to determine how you will pay your monthly rent.

5. Are there any restrictions on who can live on the property or what they can do (e.g., no pets)?

Some landlords place limits on who is allowed to dwell in their rental units. They may, for example, limit visitors to a specific number of days. Others may forbid all kinds of pets. Before you move, inquire about these limits to avoid any unpleasant shocks later.

6. How often does the landlord come around to check on things, and what happens if something needs repairs/fixes?

It is crucial to know the frequency of your landlord’s visits. Some landlords visit once a month to check on their properties, while others only come when something needs to be mended. Be careful to inquire about this so that you know what to anticipate. Also, inquire as to how to identify repair and maintenance problems as well as how long it will take to remedy them.

7. What is the lease term, and are there any penalties for breaking it early?

Because breaking a lease might be expensive, you should always find out how long your lease term is before moving in. If a long-term lease isn’t an option, inquire about other options. Some landlords may offer shorter lease terms for a little higher rent. Inquire about fines if you need to break your lease. When you break a lease early, most landlords demand a penalty, which is often equal to the rent you would have paid for the entirety of the lease term.

8. Which furnishings and appliances are included?

While some landlords supply furniture or appliances, some do not. You’ll need to figure out the cost of furnishing an unfurnished rental if you’re moving in. Be certain to inquire about this prior to moving in so that you can budget correctly.

9. Would the landlord live there?

This is an essential question because it can provide insight into what to anticipate. If the landlord indicates they would live on the property, they may be a more responsive and hands-on landlord. If they state they won’t, inquire as to why. If they refuse to explain themselves, it’s a clue that something isn’t quite right.

 

Before you move into a rental home, ask these questions to ensure you have all of the information you need to make an intelligent decision. Looking at what Real Property Management Dominion has to offer is another great strategy to find a quality rental home. Our team of professionals will answer all of your questions and help you feel confident in your choice of a rental home. Browse our listings today!

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