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Questions You Should Ask Before Signing A Lease

doug • May 22, 2019
Questions You Should Ask Before Signing A Lease

Renters Insurance

 

 

Moving into a new rental property is such an exciting process! Sure, it’s also super time-consuming and can be pretty demanding, but finally settling in can bring so much joy.  Does your lease outline understandable guidelines and doesn’t have any weird rules or vague statements releasing the complex from responsibility.

Before signing a lease, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. Your lease is more than just a piece of paper with boring writing on it – it’s a legally binding contract! Most leases are pretty straightforward, but once you sign it, you’re locked in for the near future.

Questions You Should Ask Before Signing A Lease

Here are nine important questions to ask your landlord or leasing office before signing the rental agreement.

  1. How long is the lease term?

    Most leases are a year long, but the timeline will occasionally change depending on the best rate or what’s convenient for both you and the property owner. You may also want to consider asking what the penalties are for terminating a lease early. You probably aren’t planning on breaking the agreement, but if you’re offered a job in a different state or extenuating circumstances arise, it’ll be handy information to remember.

  2. Are utilities included?

    Clarify which utilities you are responsible for and which are included in your rental agreement. The utilities included vary greatly depending on the owner and can dramatically alter your monthly rental fee if you’re not prepared. Ask about utilities like water, electric, gas, internet, cable, and trash pickup before signing a lease.

  3. Do you allow pets?

    If you already have a pet or plan to get one soon, this will be an important question to ask. Most rental facilities offer some kind of accommodation for pets but may still require an extra monthly fee to protect against potential damages. Some apartment complexes will also have a specific list of pets that are allowed, detailing what kinds of dogs they do and don’t allow on their premises.

    Service animals, however, are a different story. You may be entitled to special accommodation for your service animal; consult your legal representative to know your rights prior to initiating a discussion with your potential landlord.

  4. Where do I park my car?

    Some facilities offer free parking in a garage or car port and some require a fee to access the parking amenities. Be sure to clarify where you can park your car, if it’s free, and how many cars are allowed per tenant on the property.

  5. When is rent due and how can I pay it?

    Rent is generally due on the first of the month, but you might want to clarify with the property owner to be sure. And is that rent taken in check form? Can you electronically transfer it? Ask before you move in to avoid any confusion or late fees in the future.

  6. Is the security deposit refundable?

    The treatment of security deposits is typically regulated by law, but in general, security deposits are refundable as long as the property is in good condition when you move out. Your landlord may, however, be entitled to withhold part of your deposit for damages that were incurred during your stay or if you break the lease. As long as you keep the rented space in good condition, you should have nothing to worry about!

  7. What kind of maintenance services are available?

    Depending on whether or not you live in an apartment complex, you may have on-site property management that will fix any issues you may have. On-site management quickly swooped in and resolved an issue my sister had with her dryer after she realized that she had never emptied the lint tray. Of course, I would suggest that you regularly empty the tray (since it’s a fire hazard), but property management will be there for those types of mishaps.

    If you’re looking to rent somewhere without on-site management, it may be more difficult to get someone on the premises to fix issues that may arise. In this case, you may consider renting elsewhere. Try not to end up with an overflowing tub at two in the morning and no one to help!

  8. What kinds of amenities are provided? Are these complimentary?

    Amenities like a community center, pool, fitness center, washer and dryer, and storage space can add that extra bit of value to your rental property. Which are the most important to you? Some properties have laundry facilities in each specific apartment, while others can be accessed through the basement of the building. Make sure to clarify if these amenities are included with the rental fee or if there’s an additional charge to access the spaces.

  9. In what ways can I personalize the property?

    What to look for before leasing

    Renters Insurance

    If you plan on painting the walls or installing curtain rods or a wall TV mount, you may want to first discuss what kinds of customizations are acceptable and which are not allowed. My experience is that as long as you leave the property in the same condition as when you first entered, you should be good to go.

No matter what your landlord or leasing consultant says, make sure you read the entire lease. Yes, it will be time consuming, and no, it will not be particularly interesting, but it will make you well aware of the expectations the owner has for you as well as the things you can expect from your property owner.

Apartments Available in the Spartanburg SC Area

Top Insurance Myths Busted

By Doug Stockman • February 10, 2025
Top 10 Insurance Myths Busted (by Yours Truly, Your Local Insurance Agent) Hey folks! Ready to debunk some myths that are floating around out there like rogue shopping carts in a hurricane. I hear it all the time – whispers in the grocery store, hushed tones at the PTA meeting. "Did you know…?" Nine times out of ten, "Did you know…?" is followed by something wildly inaccurate about insurance. So, let's grab our myth-busting ray guns and get to work! 1. Red Cars = Higher Insurance Rates: Seriously? Do you think insurance companies employ colorblind squirrels to set rates? The color of your car has absolutely nothing to do with your premiums. It's all about your driving record, the type of car (sports car vs. sensible sedan), and where you live. So, go ahead, rock that cherry red convertible. Just drive safely, okay? 2. "Full Coverage" Means I'm Covered for EVERYTHING: Ah, "full coverage." It's a catchy phrase, isn't it? But it's also a bit of a misnomer. "Full coverage" usually refers to a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. It doesn't mean you're covered if your pet hamster spontaneously combusts in your car (yes, I've heard it all). Read your policy, people! Know what you're actually paying for. 3. My Home Insurance Covers EVERYTHING in My Home: See Myth #2 but replace "car" with "home." Your standard homeowner's policy is great for things like fire, theft, and some weather-related damage. But it probably won't cover your prized collection of antique thimbles if they're damaged by a rogue poltergeist. (Again, I've heard it all.) There are specific riders and endorsements for certain valuables, so chat with your agent. 4. Filing a Claim Will Automatically Jack Up My Rates: Not necessarily. One small claim might not affect your rates too much. It's the frequency of claims that raises red flags. Think of it like this: one fender bender is a "whoops," three fender benders are a "pattern." Insurance companies don't like patterns. 5. Renters Don't Need Insurance: Oh, renters, renters, renters. This one makes me cringe. Just because you don't own the building doesn't mean you don't own stuff. Your landlord's insurance covers the structure, but it doesn't cover your personal belongings. A good renter's policy is surprisingly affordable and can save you from financial ruin if your apartment catches fire, gets burgled, or, you know, invaded by those thimble-loving poltergeists. 6. Older Homes Are Always More Expensive to Insure: Not always! Sure, some older homes might have outdated wiring or plumbing, but many have been renovated and are perfectly safe. Insurance companies look at the condition of the home, not just its age. 7. I Don't Need Flood Insurance - I Don't Live Near Water: Newsflash: floods can happen anywhere. Even if you live miles from the coast, heavy rain can cause flash flooding. Standard homeowner's insurance doesn't cover flood damage. You'll need a separate flood insurance policy. 8. My Credit Score Doesn't Affect My Insurance Rates: Wrong! In most states, insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help predict the likelihood of you filing a claim. So, keep those credit scores high, folks! 9. If I Total My Car, I'll Get What I Paid For It: Nope. You'll get the current market value of your car, which might be less than what you paid for it, especially if it's been owned a few years. Also, if your loan amount is more than the value of your car this is where "gap insurance" comes in. It covers the difference between what you owe on your loan and what the insurance company pays out. 10. Insurance Agents Are All Sleazy and Just Want Your Money: Okay, okay, some of us might be a little… enthusiastic. But most of us genuinely care about protecting our clients. We want you to have the right coverage at the right price. So, don't be afraid to ask questions. That's what we're here for! So, there you have it – ten insurance myths, thoroughly busted. Now go forth and be informed! And as always, if you have any questions, give your friendly neighborhood insurance agent a call. (That's me!)

10 Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain(Because Hydroplaning is So Last Season)

By Doug Stockman • February 6, 2025
10 Safety Tips for Driving in the Rain (Because Hydroplaning is So Last Season) Alright, listen up, lead foots and Sunday drivers alike. It's raining. Again. And unless you've recently sprouted gills or your car is amphibious (in which case, please send pics), you're gonna have to navigate this liquid apocalypse like the rest of us mere mortals. So, ditch the daydreaming about that tropical vacation and pay attention, because hydroplaning isn't a personality trait, and ending up in a ditch is a terrible way to spend a Tuesday. Remember, safe driving keeps you from injury and doesn't give your insurance rates another reason to go up. 1. Slow Your Roll (Like, Seriously, Chill): This isn't a Fast & Furious movie, Vin Diesel isn't waiting for you at the finish line, and your pizza will still be lukewarm even if you arrive five minutes later (tip: even warmer if you turned on your heated seats). The faster you go, the more likely you are to become intimately acquainted with a guardrail. Think of it this way: slow and steady wins the race... and avoids the tow truck. 2. Lights On (Even if it's Not "Dark"): Yes, Captain Obvious, it's the law. But beyond that, it makes you less likely to be mistaken for a rogue wave by other drivers. Plus, it gives you that cool, mysterious vibe. You know, the kind that says, "I'm a responsible adult who also happens to be an awe-inspiring driver." 3. Check Your Tires (Are They Bald? You're Gonna Have a Bad Time): Think of your tires as the shoes of your car. Would you wear flip-flops to climb Mount Everest? No. (Unless you're insane. And also, please send pics.) Check your tread depth. If your tires are balder than a cue ball, you're basically driving on ice, even if it's 70 degrees out. 4. Double the Following Distance (Seriously, Double It): Tailgating is a bad idea on a sunny day. In the rain? It's a recipe for disaster. Give the car in front of you enough space so you have time to react if they suddenly decide to audition for "America's Next Top Emergency Brake." 5. Avoid Cruise Control (Unless You Want to Lose Control): Cruise control is great for long, straight highways. Rainy, slippery roads? Not so much. You want to be in full control of your vehicle, not letting some robot make decisions for you when things get dicey. 6. Brake Gently (Don't Slam On the Brakes Like You're Trying to Stop a Runaway Train): Slamming on the brakes in the rain is a surefire way to initiate a spin cycle that would make your washing machine jealous. Apply the brakes smoothly and gradually. Think of it as a delicate dance with your car, not a wrestling match. 7. Steer Smoothly (No Jerking Allowed): Just like braking, steering should be a gentle art. Jerky movements are more likely to cause your car to lose traction and send you sliding sideways. Imagine you're carrying a tray of hot coffee. Smooth and steady wins the day (and prevents third-degree burns). 8. Be Wary of Puddles (They Could Be Deeper Than You Think): Puddles can hide all sorts of dangers: potholes and debris. Avoid them if you can. If you can't, drive through them slowly and steadily. And for the love of all that is holy, don't try to splash pedestrians. Karma is a real thing. 9. Visibility is Key (Wipers On, Fog Lights If Needed): Make sure your wipers are in good working order. If they're streaking or squeaking, replace them. They're cheap, and they make a world of difference. Most auto parts stores will install them free of charge if purchased in their store. And if visibility is really bad, use your fog lights (but remember to turn them off when the fog clears, or you'll blind oncoming drivers). 10. Stay Calm (Panic is Your Enemy): If you do start to hydroplane, don't panic. Take your foot off the gas, steer gently in the direction you want to go, and avoid slamming on the brakes. Remember, smooth and steady. Think of it as a test of your driving skills. You got this. (Probably.) So, there you have it. Ten tips to help you survive the next downpour. Now go forth and conquer the roads, my friends. And try not to wreck.
I owe more on my car than it is worth!

Car Underwater, Gap Insurance is the Answer

By Doug Stockman • February 5, 2025
Gap Insurance: Because Life Gives You Lemons (and Your Car Gets Totaled) Life throws curveballs. Sometimes those curveballs involve deer, rogue shopping carts, and the dreaded "your vehicle is totaled" verdict from your insurance company. And while your insurance might cover the cost of your car... well, let's just say it might not be enough to cover your loan debt (or that Hawaiian vacation you were planning). Enter: Gap Insurance, the mysterious force field that promises to save you from financial ruin (or at least a serious case of ramen noodles). Think of it this way: You buy a brand-new car. You're cruising down the highway, top down, singing along to your favorite tunes. Life is good. Then BAM! Disaster strikes. Your car is totaled. Your insurance company cuts you a check... but it's not enough to cover the car loan. You're still on the hook for a hefty chunk of change, leaving you feeling more "gaping hole in my wallet" than "gap year in Europe." Gap Insurance is basically your financial superhero. It swoops in, cape flowing, to cover the difference between what your insurance pays out and what you still owe on your loan. It's like having a secret weapon against the cruelties of car ownership. But is it worth the extra cash? That, my friend, is the million-dollar question. Pros: Peace of Mind (Kinda): Knowing you're covered if disaster strikes can offer a fleeting sense of tranquility. Avoid Ramen Noodle Ramen: Let's be honest, nobody wants to live on ramen noodles for the next five years. Flex on Your Friends: "Oh, my car got totaled? No biggie, I have Gap Insurance." (Okay, maybe don't actually flex on your friends.) Cons: It Costs Money: And let's be real, money doesn't grow on trees (unless you live in a magical forest, in which case, please share your location). Might Be a Waste of Cash: If you make a significant down payment and have a shorter loan term, you might be perfectly fine without it. Fine Print Nightmare: Deciphering the fine print can feel like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube while blindfolded. The Verdict? Ultimately, the decision to get Gap Insurance is a personal one. If the thought of being "underwater" on your car loan gives you night terrors, then it might be worth the extra cost. Many insurance companies offer Gap Insurance for a fraction of the cost at the dealership or bank. And remember, even with Gap Insurance, always drive defensively. Because let's face it, life is unpredictable, and sometimes, the only way to survive is with a healthy dose of sarcasm and a really good insurance plan. Disclaimer: This blog post is for entertainment purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor for personalized guidance. P.S. If your car does get totaled, take solace in the fact that you now have an excellent excuse to buy that electric scooter you've always wanted.
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