Good questions to ask during an apartment visit
Visiting an apartment is an important step in finding a rental home. In order to avoid unpleasant surprises after signing the lease, it is essential to ask the right questions to the owner. We detail here the points to be addressed in a systematic way.
Questions about the apartment itself
The most important point to discuss with the owner when visiting an apartment is the energy performance of housing.
As you walk around the rooms, ask the landlord about the type of heating and how to produce hot water. Ask him also if the windows are double glazed and what is the orientation of the housing. This last point will help you to know at which time of the day the apartment is the most enlightened and which rooms do not benefit from the heat of the sun. Because, in addition to weighing on the morale, a poorly oriented and light housing affects the budget heating and electricity. If the current tenant is present, do not hesitate to ask him about the amount of his bills, which will give you an idea of the expenses related to your rental. Finally, require the owner to present you the energy performance certificate (or energy passport) of the apartment, which will allow you to evaluate the consumption.
In another register, ask the owner if he foresees repairs in the housing and what works and arrangements you are authorized to execute (installation of a moving wall, painting of the walls, change of carpet ...). Ask about the possibility of access to a private cellar and a parking space. Finally, inquire about the security of the premises : Is the front door reinforced? Does the building have a digicode, a guard ?
Questions about the environment of the apartment and the building
Beyond the state of the property, it is essential to check the housing environment , to ensure you enjoy an ideal living environment.
During your apartment visit, find out about possible noise pollution : is there a lot of street traffic ? Is construction planned near housing in the near future? ? Is there a disco, a bar, a night club in the vicinity ? If a business premises is located on the ground floor, ask the owner about his activity, so as to be aware of the possible noise or odor nuisances (incessant comings and goings caused by a pharmacy open 24/24, smells coming from a fast food...).
If the current tenant is present, ask him if the neighbors are not too noisy. Feel free to ask for a few minutes of silence, in order to evaluate the good insulation of the accommodation. If you have the opportunity, also ask the caretaker about possible neighborhood problems within the building.
Also find out about the amenities close to the apartment (parking spaces, shops, public transport lines, schools, self-service bicycles ...) and on the general atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Lease issues, financial and practical
Once the point is made on the apartment and its environment, take a closer look at the lease and rental conditions in themselves. Ask the landlord when exactly the dwelling will be available, what is the lease term. Ask about any special clauses in the lease and the existence of a specific by-law in the building. If necessary, insist on consulting this regulation.
Also ask the landlord to confirm the amount of rent, the amount of the charges and the items included in them. Find out about the value order of local taxes.
Finally, ask the owner any practical questions that may come to your mind : is it possible to move in with animals ? If yes, are some species prohibited? ? Is there a right of access to the courtyard, the roof of the building, the garden ?
You now have all the keys in hand to efficiently prepare your apartment visits. Do not forget to take your time to interact with the owner: the more questions you ask him, the more sure you will not go wrong in choosing the accommodation.