10 Questions to Ask During an Apartment Tour

A walkthrough shows you the floors, the light, and whether the kitchen is big enough for two people. What it doesn't show you is whether the landlord responds to maintenance requests within 48 hours or six weeks, whether the building has a pest problem, or what the actual utility costs are in January. These 10 questions fill the gaps.

1. What's the average monthly utility cost?

Rent is only part of the cost. For a unit that doesn't include utilities, ask the landlord what the previous tenant paid on average for electric, gas, and water. A $750/mo apartment with $200/mo in utilities compares differently to an $850/mo all-inclusive unit. Get the estimate in writing if you can — Indiana winters make gas bills swing significantly.

2. How do you handle maintenance requests?

This tells you a lot about a landlord. You want a specific answer: is there a phone number, an email, an app? What's the expected response time? Who handles after-hours emergencies? A vague answer ("just let me know and I'll take care of it") is a yellow flag. A clear process with a real contact method and reasonable timelines is a good sign.

3. What's the internet situation?

Some apartments have one viable ISP option. Others have two or three. Some older buildings have infrastructure limitations that cap speeds. Ask which providers service the address — not just which ones the landlord thinks are good. A quick check at the ISP's website with the exact address will confirm what speeds and prices are actually available.

4. What's the policy on lease breaks?

Study abroad, a transfer, a family emergency — life changes. What happens if you need to leave before your lease ends? Some landlords will work with you; others hold you to the full amount. Know the answer before you sign so there are no surprises if circumstances change.

5. Is subletting allowed?

If you're on a 12-month lease and go home for the summer, subletting can cover three months of rent. Ask explicitly: is subletting allowed? If so, what's the process? Does the landlord need to approve the subtenant? Some landlords prohibit it entirely — if that's the case and you're planning to go home for summer, you may want to negotiate a shorter lease term or budget for the gap.

6. When was the building last inspected?

Electrical systems, HVAC, plumbing, fire safety equipment — these should all be inspected and maintained on a schedule. An older building with a landlord who's unsure when the last inspection happened is a signal to dig deeper before committing.

7. What's the parking situation?

Is parking included, or is it an extra fee? Is there a guaranteed spot, or first-come-first-served? Is street parking reliable in the neighborhood? These questions matter a lot if you have a car — or if you don't, if you have friends who'll visit. Some streets near Butler have permit-only parking that catches visitors off guard.

8. Why is the current tenant leaving?

This is one of the most revealing questions you can ask. It's fair game, and most landlords will answer honestly. "They graduated" or "they're moving in with a partner" is reassuring. Evasiveness or a pattern of turnover in the same unit suggests a problem worth investigating — whether it's noise, maintenance, a difficult building, or the landlord themselves.

9. What appliances are included, and how old are they?

A 20-year-old furnace is a liability. Same for an aging water heater. Appliances that are near end-of-life are more likely to break during your tenancy — which means maintenance headaches. Ask which appliances are included, their approximate age, and when they were last serviced. It's a reasonable question that responsible landlords will answer without hesitation.

10. Can I see the lease before deciding?

Never sign a lease the day of your tour. Ask to take the lease home and review it. Any landlord who pressures you to sign on the spot — or refuses to let you review it first — is not a landlord you want to be in a year-long contract with. A fair lease can withstand a few days of review.