What to Ask Before You Rent a House

A rented house is not a big apartment. There is no office down the hall, and a lot of small jobs land on someone. Find out who before you sign.

The money

• What is due before move-in: first month, deposit, any fees?
• Which utilities are in your name, and about what do they run in winter and summer?
• Is water, sewer or trash billed to you or to the owner?
• When is rent due, how is it paid, and is there a late fee?

The outside

• Who mows, rakes, shovels and clears gutters?
• Is there a limit on cars, or a rule about where to park?
• Is the yard shared with anyone?

The inside

• Who do you call when the furnace stops, and how fast do they come?
• How old are the furnace, water heater and roof?
• May you paint, hang things or swap a light fixture?

The lease

• How long is the term, and what happens at the end?
• How much notice does either side have to give?
• What are the rules for ending early?

Write the answers down. If a promise matters to you, ask for it in the lease. A friendly owner will not mind, and it saves both of you an argument in a year.