< BACK TO BLOG

Questions to Ask While Touring Cincinnati Apartments

Often, the final step in finding an apartment that is right for you is touring an apartment in person. Keep reading to learn why this kind of tour is so essential, how to schedule one, and several important questions to ask during the experience.

The Importance of Taking a Tour

Photo galleries, detailed write-ups and pre-recorded virtual tours are valuable resources for renters. However, seeing an apartment in person is the best way to confirm that your perception of your potential new home aligns with the reality of it. It’s also the perfect time to ask the leasing agent or landlord any questions, such as those on this list from Zillow. In addition to checking out the apartment and property, this visit also gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the surrounding neighborhood and what it has to offer. Also, as shared on Consumer.gov, in-person tours help ensure you don’t fall victim to a rental scam.

How to Schedule Your Tour

Scheduling a tour may vary by property. Instead of hoping someone will be available to assist you when you stop by, it is best to contact the leasing office or landlord directly to arrange a time that works best for you. That way, you can prepare questions to ask in advance and a checklist of details about the apartment, property or neighborhood that you want to assess while there, as encouraged at Apartments.com™.

Questions to Ask During In-Person Apartment Tours

While you may have gathered a lot of information about an apartment through online research,  your in-person tour gives you the chance to ask any remaining questions and have them answered by a leasing agent or landlord. Here is an overview of the type of questions to ask during an in-person tour:

1. Am I seeing the exact apartment that I will be renting?

Details like the choice of floor plan or certain amenities often determine which apartments make it onto the touring list and which ones do not. Therefore, an in-person tour gives you the opportunity to evaluate how the apartment fulfills the needs and wants on your wishlist for yourself. Unfortunately, if you aren’t touring your exact apartment or one that closely matches it, then you may still have an incomplete or potentially even inaccurate picture of your apartment condition and anticipated living experience. For example, the stainless steel appliances or fireplace feature of the model apartment may not even be available in the unit that will be available to you.

2. How does the application process work? What are the associated fees and other related costs?

While touring an apartment in downtown Cincinnati or any other location, be sure to ask any leasing and application questions to which you don’t already have the answers. For example, regarding the application process, ask about how to do it, what information you need to provide, and if there are any required fees. The security deposit may also vary based on credit and other application details, so you’ll want to ask about that expense as well as the current rental rate specific to your preferred floor plan and features.

3. Are you currently offering any move-in specials or other promotions?

The desire for a specific apartment layout is one factor that may dictate move-in timing. Taking advantage of any move-in specials or other promotions is another. For clarity around current discounts or offers, ask the leasing agent for specifics and to see the apartments to which these deals apply.

4. What utilities and other amenities are included in the rent?

To budget accordingly, confirm what exactly is included in your monthly rent. As with the appliances provided for your apartment, your rent may include some utilities or none at all. Therefore, you’ll want to discuss cost estimates for your unit, as well as service recommendations. Similarly, if you are looking at a pet-friendly apartment, be sure to ask about those fees and policies as well.

5. Are there any guidelines regarding changes or updates to apartments?

In addition to asking about apartment maintenance such as who is responsible for it or how to request it, ask about the guidelines regarding decorating the apartment. So, if you plan to hang pictures or want to paint a room, then you’ll want to understand the rules, expectations or potential costs associated with these choices. If you have any other potential changes on the horizon, such as having a roommate or needing to sublet your apartment, you may want to ask these questions now, too!

6. What kind of parking options are available?

Is there a lot or parking garage available to all residents? Does each resident or unit have assigned parking? If individual garages are present, are any available? In short, ask about the parking options, their availability, relevant policies and associated costs, so you know what to expect and how to account for that addition (if applicable) to your expenses.

7. What are the policies regarding guests, especially in community spaces?

After finding a place to call home, you may be excited to welcome friends and family to your new space. Make sure you are prepared for such occasions! From where guests can park to their use of amenities like the community pool, asking about guest-related policies now sets you and any guests up for enjoyable future visits.

If you are exploring rental locations in the Cincinnati area, the leasing experts at Live NAProperties are here to help. Contact us today with any questions, for help with the application process or to schedule a tour!