5 Questions to Ask When Touring An Apartment
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.
