What to ask prior to signing a lease

Prior to signing the lease, you should confirm that your future property manager or owner will hold up their end of the bargain. Our job is to work alongside you during move in,  throughout the term of your lease and through move out. The leasing process can be fun, but often things are lost in the chaos of securing a home. There are a lot of questions a property manager can’t answer.  As a San Diego Property Management company this is what we think you should ask, and what your property manager can’t answer.

Here are some questions to ask when considering a rental:

• Are some or all the utilities covered by the rent? If not, can you give me an estimate for those costs?
• What are your parking options or restrictions?
• Is there on-site maintenance, security, and/or property managers?
• How do I report maintenance? How long does it usually take?
• What is the refund policy for security deposits?
• What types of customization’s can you make to a property (paint, nails for hanging pictures, etc)? Which ones are prohibited?
• Are there any fees associated with the rental that we haven’t discussed?
• Can I sublet?
• How best can we work together?

Here are some questions your property manager can’t answer

1. Is it safe?
2. Is it quiet?
3. Who are the neighbors?
4. Will you raise my rent next year?
5. Will the owner sell?

The first few questions a property manager legally cannot answer. Mostly due to Fair Housing. They also don’t live there and wouldn’t be able to give a great answer. The last two are questions we don’t quite know the answers to yet. Raising rent is always based on the market value at the time. Since that can change, we cannot accurately predict this until about 60 days prior.

In general, when looking for your next home come prepared with questions. And, if you get caught up in the excitement, make sure to ask these questions and more prior to signing your lease.  Property Managers would rather work with informed residents then those who don’t read or care. It’s often a long term relationship that needs effort and compromise.