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9 Essential Questions to Ask Your Bozeman Landlord Before You Move In

Bozeman Property Manager Showing a Rental PropertyIf you’re looking for a new place to call home, a Bozeman single-family rental home might be ideal. Before you sign on the dotted line, you should ask your landlord several critical questions. This blog post will go over the most critical questions to ask when renting a home. This will ensure that you have all of the necessary information to make an informed decision.

1. Are there any deposits or non-refundable fees required, and what are they for?

While some landlords may require a security deposit, others may impose a nonrefundable cleaning fee. Make sure to inquire about any deposits or costs so you can plan ahead.

2. What is included in the monthly rent (e.g., water, electricity, internet)?

While some landlords include utilities in their monthly rent, other landlords do not. Utilities can dramatically increase the expense of living in a rental, so make sure you understand who is responsible for what. Better yet, ask for an estimate of the cost of all utilities according to the usage of the prior tenant.

3. How often is the rent due, and when is a late fee assessed?

Ask when the rent is due and what the penalties are if you are late. Most Bozeman property managers demand rent be remitted on the first day of the month, yet some may give a grace period of a few days before collecting a late fee. Make sure to inquire about this so you can plan ahead.

4. What payment methods does the landlord accept?

Some landlords only accept checks, while others may allow payments via the internet. It’s vital to know which payment methods your landlord accepts so you can figure out if they’ll work for you. Some tenants may not want to deal with the inconvenience of paying in person or having their landlord come to their door each month to collect rent. If rent is not paid electronically, some landlords demand a processing fee. In any case, it is essential to ask this question in order to organize your monthly rent payment.

5. Are there any restrictions on who can live on the property or what they can do (e.g., no pets)?

Some landlords have rules about who can live in their rental units. They may, for example, only allow visitors for a limited time. Others may not allow any pets. Before you move, inquire about these limits to avoid any unpleasant shocks later.

6. How often does the landlord come around to check on things, and what happens if something needs repairs/fixes?

It’s critical to know how frequently your landlord will visit. Some landlords inspect their premises monthly, while others only come when something needs to be corrected. Make certain you inquire about this so you know what to expect. Ask how to submit repair and maintenance problems and how long it will take to address them.

7. What is the lease term, and are there any penalties for breaking it early?

Because breaking a lease might be costly, you should always know how long your lease term is before you move in. If a long-term lease isn’t something you can commit to, inquire about alternatives. For a slightly higher price, some landlords will offer shorter leases. If you must terminate your lease, find out what the consequences are. If you break your lease early, most landlords demand a penalty, which is often equal to the rent you would have paid for the entire lease term.

8. Which furnishings and appliances are included?

While some landlords supply furniture or appliances, some do not. You’ll have to figure in the cost of furnishing an unfurnished rental if you’re moving in. Before moving in, be sure to ask about this so you can responsibly budget.

9. Would the landlord live there?

This is a crucial question because it might help you anticipate what to expect. If the landlord states that they would live in the property, they may be a more hands-on and responsive type of landlord. If they say no, inquire as to why. If they are unwilling to explain, it may indicate that things are not what they appear to be.

 

Prior to moving into a rental home, ask these questions to ensure you have all of the information you need to make a wise decision. Examining what Real Property Management Bozeman has to offer is another excellent strategy to choose a solid rental home. Our team of professionals will answer all of your questions and help you feel confident in your choice of a rental home. Browse our listings today!

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