Before Signing - What"s Included in Your Rent?
Whether you're renting your first apartment or your ninth, you should always ask yourself and your landlord what is and isn't included in the rent.
Typically, your lease agreement will outline benefits that your rent covers, but it's important to clarify each expense before you sign off.
To avoid an unpleasant surprise a few weeks after moving in, read on for a list of expenses you should check before signing on the dotted line.
Parking Often, apartment parking spaces aren't included in the monthly rent.
Before you bank on being able to park below ground or even on the street, ask your prospective landlord if the space is included in your monthly payment.
Most urban apartments charge between $30 and $75 a month for a parking spot, with rates averaging as high as $200 a month for cities like New York and San Francisco.
Electricity Depending on your rental agreement, electricity might be included in your rent.
If you are responsible for paying the electric bill, ask your landlord how your electricity usage is measured.
If you're sharing an electricity meter with another tenant but are still expected to pay half, you may want to walk away before you wind up footing the bill for someone else's energy consumption.
Heat Whether your heat is oil, electric, or natural gas is all going to factor into the cost.
If you are paying for heat, you may want to stay away from expensive oil heaters or drafty, older homes.
Additionally, if you're paying for heating costs, you should be allowed access to the thermostat to control it.
If your landlord is paying for heat and limits access to the temperature controls, there are usually laws that dictate the minimum temperature at which he or she can keep the apartment.
Water Inquire whether water is included in your rent or if you need to set up a separate account with the water company.
Regardless, keep your water consumption to a sustainable minimum.
If water is included, ask if you'll be sharing the water heater with another tenant.
Remember, your neighbor may be nice, but if she's using all the hot water in the morning or flushing the toilet every time you're in the shower, her charm could wear off quickly.
Cable and Internet As an incentive to lure prospective tenants, many landlords offer either free Internet access or cable television or both.
If your apartment offers free cable service, ask what that entails and if you're allowed to upgrade the service.
Typically, your lease agreement will outline benefits that your rent covers, but it's important to clarify each expense before you sign off.
To avoid an unpleasant surprise a few weeks after moving in, read on for a list of expenses you should check before signing on the dotted line.
Parking Often, apartment parking spaces aren't included in the monthly rent.
Before you bank on being able to park below ground or even on the street, ask your prospective landlord if the space is included in your monthly payment.
Most urban apartments charge between $30 and $75 a month for a parking spot, with rates averaging as high as $200 a month for cities like New York and San Francisco.
Electricity Depending on your rental agreement, electricity might be included in your rent.
If you are responsible for paying the electric bill, ask your landlord how your electricity usage is measured.
If you're sharing an electricity meter with another tenant but are still expected to pay half, you may want to walk away before you wind up footing the bill for someone else's energy consumption.
Heat Whether your heat is oil, electric, or natural gas is all going to factor into the cost.
If you are paying for heat, you may want to stay away from expensive oil heaters or drafty, older homes.
Additionally, if you're paying for heating costs, you should be allowed access to the thermostat to control it.
If your landlord is paying for heat and limits access to the temperature controls, there are usually laws that dictate the minimum temperature at which he or she can keep the apartment.
Water Inquire whether water is included in your rent or if you need to set up a separate account with the water company.
Regardless, keep your water consumption to a sustainable minimum.
If water is included, ask if you'll be sharing the water heater with another tenant.
Remember, your neighbor may be nice, but if she's using all the hot water in the morning or flushing the toilet every time you're in the shower, her charm could wear off quickly.
Cable and Internet As an incentive to lure prospective tenants, many landlords offer either free Internet access or cable television or both.
If your apartment offers free cable service, ask what that entails and if you're allowed to upgrade the service.
