Renter guide
What to Ask Before Signing a Lease
Practical questions renters should ask about parking, noise, repairs, deposits, utilities, pests, and neighbors.
Parking
Is the listed parking guaranteed? What happens after 6 p.m.? Are there street sweeping tickets, red zones, permit rules, or guest restrictions?
Noise
Which side of the building is the bedroom on? Is there nightlife, freeway noise, courtyard noise, upstairs footstep noise, or short-term rental turnover nearby?
Maintenance
Who responds to repairs? How fast do urgent and non-urgent issues usually get handled? Is there an online portal, direct phone number, or only email?
Pests and moisture
Has the unit or building had ants, roaches, rodents, termites, mold, leaks, or recurring humidity issues? Who pays for treatment and how quickly does it happen?
Utilities and fees
What did the last tenant typically pay for water, trash, sewer, gas, electricity, internet, parking, pets, and common-area charges?
Move-out
What causes deposit deductions? Can the renter document condition at move-in and move-out? When is the deposit accounting sent after move-out?
Put it in writing
If the answer affects your decision, ask for it in writing: parking, repairs before move-in, appliances, deposit terms, pet approval, or any promised fee waiver.