After signing the lease and sorting out major issues like pets and parking, you are finally moving in your new apartment. But, as you settle in, you realize you have a few other issues you haven't really talked about with your landlord. Don't worry, we have your back!
Here are 6 common move-in questions you probably forgot to ask and their answers, thanks to Trulia:
Should you change the locks?
You enter your unit for the first time and as you turn the key, you realize, does the previous renter still have a copy of your keys? Every state varies when it comes to laws for this, but chances are, you are allowed to change the locks, or your landlord already took care of it. Just make sure to keep your landlord in the loop since they will need a copy of the key for emergencies.
Should you pay to change the toilet seats?
One of the easiest, most budget-friendly upgrades for your newly rented place is changing the toilet seat, regardless if it's for cosmetic or hygienic reasons. But, do you have to pay out of your own pocket for this? Have a talk with your landlord and check if they would be willing to make the swap for you. Craig Roche, in his column "Lessons From a Small Landlord", says that he wouldn't mind doing the upgrade and putting it under "low-cost improvements that make tenants happy".
Can you plant a garden if the lawn is your landlord's responsibility?
In most cases, the landlord's permission is necessary when it comes to altering a rental property's landscaping. Have a talk with your landlord and see if you are allowed to; and if not, find alternatives for a middle ground such as a container or a hanging garden.
Should you document a pre-existing damage?
A resounding YES! One of the first things to remember when moving in is to take move-in photos as documentation. If you find any damage, make a note and indicate it in the landlord's move-in checklist. Don't forget to sign and date it!
Can you be an Airbnb host?
Check in your lease agreement if a long-term subleasing is permitted. Regardless though, there is still little gray area when talking about peer-to-peer renting of a room with the original tenants still living in the apartment. There is also a concern for security so consider the potential ramifications before listing your room.
Can you get new sconce for the hallway?
Yes, you can! Your landlord is only concerned with electrical issues for everybody's safety so go ahead and get a new uber-chic industrial wire cage wall mount. But make sure to keep the original fixture somewhere safe so you can reinstall it when you leave the unit.
