The process of renting a property in a new area can make you worried about whether you’re an experienced tenant or a first-time renter. This is true, especially if you’re not quite aware of the local conventions and guidelines. In a beautiful and advanced city like Edmonton, finding a rental without a credit history can seem tricky. But that doesn’t mean you should hurriedly sign an agreement with the first landlord who agrees to rent the building to you.
Before deciding to rent an apartment or a house, you should read this article to learn some important questions to ask your landlord or your agent. The responses to these questions will provide clarity on your living situation and what to anticipate.
Here are some questions to ask before renting an apartment:
How much is the monthly rent?
This is the most fundamental and obvious question, as well as one of the eligibility criteria for many tenants. Typically, the indicated rent is valid for the whole term of the lease, which is frequently a yearly agreement. When looking for Apartments for Rent in Edmonton, It might be worthwhile to find out if you would be subject to periodical rent hikes.
On occasion, there might be local laws governing rent hikes. In some locations, depending on the age of the building or whether new amenities have been added to the building, municipal authorities impose a small percentage of rent increases annually. In other locations, rent increases can be drastically higher from one month to the next.
How much rent is due before moving in?
Depending on the region you are moving to, you might be required to pay the security deposit along with the first month’s rent or only the first month’s rent. Landlords may occasionally want additional months’ rent if you’re a newcomer and don’t have a credit score or credit history. In some places, asking for this money may be against the law, but they can take it if the tenant offers to pay. If you want an Apartments for Rent in Edmonton, you need to be equipped with the necessary knowledge before signing a lease.
This can amount to a sizable upfront payment when taken as a whole. Hence, in order to prevent eventual surprises and shocks, it’s wise to establish expectations upfront.
What happens if you have the need to break the rent agreement?
You may decide to relocate while still in the middle of a lease due to a variety of life circumstances. Before signing the lease, it’s a good idea to find out your options so you’ll know what to expect. Some landlords could want you to pay your way out, while others might only want you to find a suitable renter to renew your lease. While others might be cool with you subletting the apartment.
Final thoughts
Finally, you should not forget to ask questions that seem too obvious. For example, you need to ask if the apartment is move-in ready. You may also need to ask if parking spaces are available, if a guarantor is required, etc. Asking important questions will help you to be safe in your rental journey.
Reference links
https://arrivein.com/housing/questions-to-ask-a-landlord-or-realtor-before-you-rent/
https://www.mmgltd.com/about/blog/11-questions-a-renter-should-ask-from-a-landlords-perspective
Comments are closed.