The first step in finding the right apartment to fit your lifestyle is seeing it for yourself. That’s why taking a tour is so important in the decision-making process. Remember, you’re going to be living here, so it’s important to ask questions, don’t be shy.
Our leasing professionals conduct tours every day and receive a wide variety of questions from prospects and new residents. They came together to outline this list of 10 questions you should ask during your apartment tour, ensuring you get the most out of your living experience at whatever community you decide to settle down in.
1. What are the lease terms?
Of course, you should be aware of when the lease begins and ends before you decide on an apartment. You should know exactly how much the unit costs per month and what the policy is for late payments.
Be sure to ask if there are other common lease terms you need to know about, like quiet hours or restrictions on painting or decorating.
2. What’s your pet policy?
Don’t make the mistake of deciding on an apartment to move into with your furry friend without checking first if they’re pet-friendly or not. Whether you own a pet or just think you might want to adopt one within the next year (or however long the lease term extends), you should absolutely ask about the pet policy and find out if pets are allowed.
Luckily, many of our apartment communities, such as Country Place, The Swift, Arcadian, Brighton Village, which is cat-friendly, and 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue welcome pets with open arms.
3. Do you require renter’s insurance?
Renter’s insurance is another thing to think about while apartment hunting. Renter’s insurance provides coverage for all of your property in the event of things like a fire, flood, and often even theft.
To ensure safety, all of our apartment communities require residents to purchase renter’s insurance when moving in. This way, they’re belongings are secure.
4. Are any utilities included?
Rent is never the only expense you’ll have when living in an apartment, but many property managers roll some utilities and other amenities into the cost of rent. For example, water, gas, heat, and cooling could be included in rent.
Our communities, 4000 Massachusetts Avenue, Congressional Towers, Highland House, and Columbia Plaza offer free utilities, so residents don’t have to worry about extra charges in their rent.
5. Is there 24-hour emergency maintenance?
Even if everything in the apartment appears to be in good working order, make sure you check how emergency repairs are handled. You don’t want to be stuck in an apartment with a broken heater in the middle of the Winter for any longer than you should.
That’s why all of Polinger communities offer 24-hour emergency maintenance services because you never know when you’re going to experience an issue that needs immediate attention.
6. What’s the parking situation?
If you own a car, parking should be high on your priority list. In many neighborhoods, especially in larger cities, street parking can be difficult to come by and expensive, so finding an apartment with a parking garage or lot may be necessary.
While all of our residents enjoy the convenience of ample parking, The Swift, 2401 Pennsylvania Avenue, Bethesda Place, Columbia Plaza, 4000 Massachusetts Avenue, Highland House, and Highland House West offer garage parking.
7. What are your amenities?
Of course, what’s an apartment community without some amenities to enjoy? While it might not be at the top of your list of questions to ask during your tour, it’s good to know what amenities you can take advantage of while living there.
All of Polinger apartment communities over generous amenities that residents can enjoy year-round, from expansive rooftop swimming pools and 24-hour fully-equipped fitness centers to modern clubrooms and on-site restaurants and shops.
8. Do you have any apartment specials?
If the apartment community you’re touring is offering any specials, wouldn’t you want to know about them and see if they apply to you?
Every single one of our apartment communities offer move-in specials. For example, Highland House West is currently offering several specials from saving on your first full month of rent to receiving 1 year of free utilities for select one-bedroom apartment homes.
9. Is public transportation easily accessible?
As a commuter, you might be worried about public transportation and if it’s easily accessible from your apartment home. Or maybe you just want to know if it’s convenient when you want to catch an easy ride for a night out on the town.
All of our communities are located within close proximity to public transportation. For example, from Bethesda Place, there’s a footbridge directly to the Bethesda Metro. Not only are residents close to the Friendship Heights metro at Highland House and Highland House West, they offer a complimentary Friendship Heights shuttle bus, which pulls up right to their front door.
10. Do you have extra storage space?
Worried you have too much stuff for your apartment? Be sure to ask the leasing team if the community offers extra storage space, such as storage lockers and/or walk-in closets.
As one of their many ideal apartment features, our communities offer ample closet space and some even offer extra storage space for you to store your belongings neatly and securely.
We understand finding the right apartment can be stressful, but if you come to your apartment tour prepared with questions to ask, you’ll be able to get a better sense of what you want and need in an apartment home. Interested in taking a tour of one of Polinger apartment communities? Contact our leasing offices today!