5 Questions to Ask When Touring An Apartment

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:00:43 GMT

Touring an apartment is exciting – and it can also go by way too fast. You're checking out the space, imagining your furniture, maybe already picturing where you'd put the coffee maker. But in between daydreams, this is also your best chance to ask the questions that don't show up in the listing, and those answers can make a big difference once you're actually living there. Here are five questions to ask when touring an apartment – before you sign anything.

What are the move-in costs?

Monthly rent is the number that gets advertised, but it's not the only number that matters on move-in day. Ask for a full breakdown of move-in costs upfront so nothing catches you off guard. Depending on the community, you might be looking at some combination of:

· Security deposit (usually 1–2 months' rent)

· First and/or last month's rent

· Application or administrative fees

· Pet deposit, if you're bringing a furry roommate

A good management team will walk you through all of this without you having to pry. That willingness to be upfront is honestly a good sign on its own.

What are the "quiet hours"?

It's one of those questions that's easy to forget in the moment and hard to forget later. Quiet hours policies vary a lot between communities – and depending on your schedule, your sleep habits, or whether you've got little ones at home, they can really affect your day-to-day. Ask about the hours and how noise complaints are handled. It's also worth just paying attention to the feel of the building while you're there. Some things are hard to put in writing.

How are maintenance requests submitted and handled?

This one is worth getting specific about while you're still in the room. Is there an online portal for submitting apartment maintenance requests? What does a typical response time look like for non-emergency repairs? Is someone available for true emergencies after hours?

At Pinehurst, residents can submit maintenance requests directly through our online Resident Portal – it takes a lot of the guesswork out of the process. This sounds minor until something actually needs fixing, then it’s a relief.

Is renters insurance required?

More communities are requiring renters insurance these days, so it's good to know where a place stands before you commit. Ask whether it's mandatory, what the minimum coverage amount is, and whether you're free to choose your own provider. Even if it isn't required, it's genuinely worth having – it covers things like theft, fire, and water damage that your landlord's insurance won't. The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation has helpful resources for comparing policies. Most plans run somewhere around $15–30 a month.

What safety measures are available?

Don't wait for this one to come up on its own – go ahead and ask at the outset. Things like secured building entry, cameras in common areas, evening staffing, and how to report a concern are all worth knowing before you move in. Portland is a wonderful city to call home, and feeling safe and comfortable in your building is a big part of what makes it that way. The Portland Office of Community & Civic Life is also a great resource if you want to get a better feel for a specific neighborhood before making a decision.

 Ready to find a place that checks all the boxes? Take a look at what's available across Pinehurst’s affordable apartments in Portland, Oregon.

5 Reasons to Love Living in Portland

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:40:28 GMT

Thinking about moving to Portland? Great choice. Portland ranked #6 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report . It earned that spot for the high quality of living, walkability, and accessibility to the outdoors. (Read: FREE exercise). While there are many reasons to love living in Portland, here's the quick top five.

Access to the outdoors

Portland is for foodies

You don't have to be a foodie to truly appreciate the food in Portland. The city boasts some of the best restaurants in the country, creative and delicious food trucks, and healthy, colorful choices at the farmers market. It's best known for covering global tastes. Whether you like seafood, Thai, a regular burger and fries, or Indian food, the odds are high that you can find all of those on one block. And you know they'll be good - because Portland has ranked in nearly every "best restaurants to eat _" article of a food-based periodical. Portland is a city that prides itself on great food.

Affordable living in the city

Get a weekly dose of recreation

Portland is known for being home to the Trail Blazers, as well as its arts and culture scene. Whether you're a sports fan or a museum patron, Portland has something for you year-round. During fall and winter, stay out of the rain by going to a Blazer game, visiting the Portland Art Museum, or getting in touch with our history at the Oregon Historical Society. During the nicer months in spring and summer, don't waste an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Portland has beautiful Japanese gardens, the rose garden, and several parks and hiking trails. If you bike the waterfront trail, prepare to make some friends along the way.

A great place to raise kids

Ready to apply to become a resident of Portland? Visit our Availability page to find your next apartment home.

pinehurst-management