Questions to Ask a potential Landlord in a Rental Unit or Private Home

These are some helpful questions you can ask a landlord before moving into an apartment. These questions can also be asked if you are thinking of renting a room in someone's house. Use these questions to bring up issues that will be important for your evaluation of different living options. Ask as many questions as possible before signing a lease.

• Is my room furnished? May I bring my own bed? If so, will it fit?
• What cleaning responsibilities are expected of me?
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• Who will clean common areas (bathroom, kitchens)?
• May I have access to a pre-installed phone or should I have my own phone line installed?
• Can I connect to the Internet if I have a computer?
• What level of security do you practice in your house? (locks on doors/windows, security system, etc).
• Have you ever had a pest control problem?
• Do you have air conditioning? If not, may I put in an air conditioner?
• Can I hang things on the walls? May I use adhesive on the walls/ceilings?
• Do I have access to a washer/dryer?
• Is there any other area (besides my personal space) that I may use as storage?
• Where can I park my car?
• Will my guests have a place to park?
• Are you planning on any construction or remodeling?
• What are my financial obligations?
• Do you provide a written lease or should I?
• Do you have a contact number for past lessors as a reference?
• What utilities will I need to pay?
• Does the rent include laundry priviledges?
• Does the rent include parking?
• Do you only lease to students?
• Is this unit zoned for student housing?

   

  Questions Specific to a Room in a Private Home

• Do I have to be home by a specific time?
• Do I need to let you know when I am not coming home?
• What other chores are expected of me, and how often?
• Do you have any pets? May I have pets?
• Does anyone in the house smoke? May I or my guests?
• May I drink alcohol in the house?
• Do I have a lock on my bedroom door with a key? If not, may I put one on my door?
• Do I have my own key to the house?
• Do I have my own bathroom or do I share a bathroom?
• May I use your kitchen to store food? Cook?
• May I play my music?
• May I have a computer/Do I have access to a computer?
• May I use your television or do you prefer I have my own television?
• What entrance do you prefer I use?
• May I have daytime or overnight guests?
• May I have guests of the opposite sex (overnight)?
• Is there a limit to the number of guests I may have at one time?
• Who else will be living in the house? Will this remain the same?
• How well does everyone get along in the house currently?
• What are your expectations in concern of kitchen use, cooking, refridgerator, etc?
• What are expectations in regard to curfews?
• What are your expectations in regard to music listening, volume, etc?
• What is your policy in regard to visitors and overnight guests?
• Do you have any religious/spiritual expectations that I should know about?
• What is your policy in regard to bathroom privileges i.e. shower, hot water, water, electricity, etc.
• What is your policy in regard to privacy - locks on doors?
• What is your policy in regard to phone privileges?
• How many people live here? Plans to add more?

  Many rooms in a family house are informal contracts. Please protect yourself and the items above in writing along with the appropriate lease contents. Landlords should appreciate you being responsible in protecting both interests.