Questions for Potential Landlords

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?
  • 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.

Back to top of page.