Last Updated March 2026

When you’re renting an apartment, house or condo, asking questions beforehand about costs, lease terms, utilities, pets and deposits can help you avoid surprises later. How your landlord answers these questions — listen for red flags — can also help you protect yourself financially and avoid disputes.

Ask for important details in writing and review the lease carefully before signing. If something isn’t clear, ask more questions. You can also check state and local laws governing rentals.

1. What is the monthly rent, and are there additional fees?

The advertised monthly rent doesn’t always include extra fees or hidden charges. To make sure you know what your total monthly expenses will be, you can ask:

Which utilities are included?

Ask specifically about water, garbage, gas, electricity and internet service.

How should I make my rent payments?

Some landlords may require payment methods that come with a processing fee, such as using a credit card or a third-party payment service.

Are there other regular monthly or yearly fees? Be sure to ask about:

• Parking or garage fees
• Trash, recycling or valet services
• Amenity, recreation or community fees
• Storage or package-handling fees
• Maintenance

2. Is renters insurance required, and if so, how much is it?

Some landlords require renters insurance as part of your lease, and some set minimum coverage limits. Renters insurance can help you protect your belongings and finances. How much it costs will mainly depend on the amount of coverage you choose.

3. How much is the security deposit?

The security deposit can be one of a renter’s largest upfront expenses. Knowing what to expect can help protect your money and reduce move-out disputes. Nail down the details by asking these questions:

What is the exact security deposit?

Many landlords require a deposit equal to one month’s rent, though amounts vary.

Under what conditions will I get my security deposit back?

Ask what conditions could reduce the amount of your security deposit that’s refunded when you move out: unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear and cleaning requirements. State and local regulations govern the rules around security deposit refunds.

Is there an additional move-in fee or other administrative fee, in addition to the security deposit?

Some landlords charge a one-time, non-refundable fee to new tenants, which can go by many names: move-in fee, processing fee and account set-up fee, among others.

4. How long is the lease and what are its terms?

Knowing how long you’re locked into your lease — and what happens if you want to leave before your lease term runs out — can help you plan for job changes, relocation or other life events. These questions can help:

Is the lease month-to-month or fixed-term, such as 12 months?

If it’s month-to-month, how much notice is required before moving out?

If it’s long-term, how long does it last, and what happens when it expires?

Some leases automatically renew; others require a new lease agreement. And your landlord may require advance notice if you’re planning to leave at the end of your lease.

What are the costs of breaking my lease early?

Terminating a lease early often comes with costs, which vary by state, property type and the terms of your lease. These questions can be helpful:

• Is the early termination cost a flat fee or will I be required to keep paying rent?
• If it’s a flat fee, exactly how much is it? Common lease termination fees can be $100-$300, but they can go higher.
• If I have to keep paying rent, for how long? Landlords may require payment through the end of the lease or until a new tenant moves in. Check state and local laws.

5. Which utilities are included, and which are not?

Utility costs can add up and significantly affect your monthly budget. Ask about:

• Water
• Garbage
• Electricity
• Gas
• Internet

If gas and electricity are not included, ask what you can expect for average monthly bills in the apartment you’re considering. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) publishes data on residential energy costs that can help estimate expenses.

Are utilities that aren’t included on separate meters or are costs shared among tenants?

6. What is the pet policy?

Are pets allowed?

Are there restrictions on the kinds of pets allowed?

Some landlords allow dogs and cats but not reptiles, snakes or rodents.

Are all breeds, sizes and weights of pets allowed?

Many landlords limit certain dog breeds thought to be aggressive. They may be outright excluded or you may have to prove you have liability insurance — which renters insurance can cover — in case a dog causes damage or injury.

Are there separate rules for service animals?

Federal law says service animals are not pets and may not be subject to fees and restrictions, but liability requirements and behavior limits may still apply, and some landlords may ask questions about the animal’s special training.

Are there added costs for having a pet?

Landlords may charge pet rent, a monthly charge or a pet security deposit that’s refundable under defined rules — for example, if the pet doesn’t cause damage.

What happens if my pet causes damage or hurts someone?

Find out who pays for pet damage or injuries, who handles repairs and what the process is.

7. How is maintenance handled?

When your shower turns to a trickle, it’s good to know how your landlord wants you to handle the maintenance problem. Questions you can ask:

Who do I contact to report a maintenance issue?

What if it’s an emergency — for instance, if water from the unit upstairs is flooding my apartment?

How long will it take, typically, to get a response to a maintenance request?

What kinds of problems does the landlord take care of, and which problems will fall to me?

Generally, the landlord is responsible for problems that affect your safety, your unit’s livability and major systems like plumbing and electricity. Tenants are usually responsible for day-to-day upkeep, minor wear and tear issues and damage caused by misuse or neglect.

Can I make changes to the apartment? Find out if you’re allowed to paint or make other alterations — and who pays.

Good answers or not? What to listen for:

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