The ultimate checklist for questions to ask before renting

Thinking about renting a new home? Before you sign the rental agreement, make sure you’ve asked all the important renting questions beforehand!

Whether you’re new to renting or just want a refresher, today I’m going to share with you the ultimate checklist for questions you should ask when you’re looking for a new rental condo/apartment.

Let’s begin!

Condo Amenities

If you’re thinking of moving into a Toronto condo, be sure to ask about their amenities. Do they have a gym? Do they have a library? How about an event room? Be sure to know what you want out of a condo and see if the place you’re viewing has those.

• What are the amenities in this building? (gym, swimming pool, library, billiards room, etc)
• Does this building have storage sheds/lockers?
• Does your unit come with a locker?
• What is the parking situation in this building?
• Where is the parking/garage?
• Is there visitor parking available?
• Does this unit have ensuite laundry? If not, what is the laundry situation in the building?
• Where is the garbage chute?
• Where is the garbage room?

Home Maintenance and Structural Integrity

No one wants to live in an apartment or condo only to find out much later that there are major maintenance and/or structural problems. Ask all those questions up front and save yourself a lot of headache later on.

• What utilities are covered with the rent for this unit? (internet, hydro, etc.)
• How sound proof are the walls?
• Are you responsible for the maintenance bills?
• How do you handle emergency repairs?
• What is the overall quality of this building? Does the building need any renovations? If yes, what are the plans for renovation?

House Rules

Thinking of bringing home guests or like to host the occasional house party? Know what are the house rules before you break them.

• What is your guest policy? Is there overnight parking for guests?
• What is your pet policy for the unit and/or building?
• If pets are allowed, is there a fee to have a pet in this unit?
• Can I decorate my apartment?
• Can I sublet the apartment I’m renting if I happen to go away on vacation?

Neighbours and Roommates

There’s nothing more annoying than living with messy roommates or live next to loud neighbours. That is why you should do you proper research and find out who you’ll be rooming with or who your neighbours are.

• Who else will be living in this unit? What are they like? (Occupation, Hobbies, Personalities, etc.)
• What are the neighbors/other residents in this building like?
• Who else will be living in this unit with me?

Neighbourhood and Community

Maybe you’re looking for a quiet neighbourhood or maybe you’re looking for a lively neighbourhood, no matter the case, ask the questions below to gauge if the rental is right for you.

• Is this condo in a good school district?
• Are there parks/recreational areas in this area?
• What types of restaurants/cafes are in the neighborhood?
• What types of businesses run nearby?
• How is the nightlife here? Are there entertainment or hot spots that people like to go to?
• What’s this area like during rush hour?
• How convenient is transportation?

Neighbourhood and Safety

Aside from checking the neighbourhood walk scores, it’s also important to find out how safe the neighbourhood is. The last thing you want is to live in an unsafe area.

• How safe is the neighborhood?
• How is the security in this building?
• Have there ever been any break-ins?
• What are the circumstances that you will enter my unit without notice?
• As part of the rental agreement, do you require renters insurance?

Leasing Signing, Payment, and Rental Renewal

There’s plenty of things to consider before signing a lease, but perhaps the most important is how payment and lease signing works. You should know how the landlord prefers lease signing, payment, and rental renewal.

• How much is rent for this property?
• How much do I need to pay up-front before I sign the lease?
• How would you like me to pay the rent? Cheque, cash, e-transfer, direct deposit etc.
• Under what circumstances will my security deposit not be refunded?
• How long is this lease for?
• Can this lease be renewed?
• What are my options for lease renewal? (month by month, 1 year, etc.)
• If I were to move out, how soon do you need to be notified?
• Under what circumstances can I break this lease? What are the procedures for breaking a lease?

Utilities, Hydro, Parking, Internet

Does your rent include hydro, internet, and other utilities? Be sure to ask all the relevant questions before you move in.

• Are utilities included? If so, which ones? (internet/heating/electric/water, etc.)
• How is the heating situation in this unit during the winter time?
• How is the AC situation in this unit during summer time?
• Is there internet service in the building?
• What internet providers do other residents/tenants use?
• How well is the phone reception on the property?

More Questions

• Who should I contact if I had further questions about this rental property?
• What is the number to security building?
• What is the number to the building management office?
• Do I have a buzz number to this unit? How do I set it up if I do not have one?
• What is the best way to contact you?