Fair Housing / Apartment Hunting

Classes:
Introduction > Take the Test > Fair Housing > Apartment Hunting > Housing Resources

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What to Ask the Landlord

Once you have identified ads for housing that appear to meet your needs, it is important that you be able to communicate with landlords in order to determine more specific information.

Be sure you know the answer to all these questions before deciding to move in an apartment or signing a lease.

• How much is the rent?
• What day is it due? To whom is it paid?
• Is the apartment available for immediate occupancy? (That is....may I move in right away)?
• Is there a security deposit? If so, how much?
• What is the policy for returning the deposit?
• Is a lease required? What is the term of the lease?
• Are there restrictions that apply to the apartment?
• May I have pets?
• Are children permitted?
• Who should be contacted in case of emergency? If repairs are needed?
• Are any utilities included in the rent? If so, which ones? What utilities are not included?
• Is there a manager on the premises?

Questions to ask the landlord when interviewing face-to-face or on the TDD.

• Is the apartment wheelchair accessible?
• Are the kitchen and bathroom fixtures modified for use by a person in a wheelchair?
• Are there wheelchair accessible laundry facilities available on the premises?
• Is a lease required and if so for how long?
• Are there any utilities included in the rent and if so which ones?
• What utilities are not included in the rent?
• How much is the rent?
• Is rent subsidy available?
• What day is the rent payment due?
• To whom is the rent paid?
• Is there a security deposit required and if so how much?
• What is the policy for returning the deposit?
• Is there a manager on the premises?
• Who would be contacted in case of an emergency?
• Who should be contacted when repairs are needed?
• What restrictions apply to the apartment?
• Is the apartment available for immediate occupancy?
• When can I move in?

Next: Online Housing Resources

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