The apartment hunting process can be a fun and tricky experience, especially for first-time renters. Checking off boxes and finding the perfect spot might be intimidating!
Birgo Realty is here to help - we’ve provided you with a list of helpful questions to ask when apartment hunting. We encourage you to use these questions when preparing to look, (virtually) touring a property and prior to submitting an application. Happy hunting!
“What neighborhood should I live in?”
Before searching for a specific property and communicating with leasing agents and property management companies, you must answer this question...it's perhaps one of the most important questions to ask while apartment hunting! Your preferred neighborhood or town will determine many things, including which apartments are available to rent. Some important things to consider include...
- Commute to your school/place of work
- Distance to public transportation or on-premise parking options for vehicles
- Distance to restaurants, shops, grocery stores
- Proximity to parks, running/biking trails, etc.
- Type of neighborhood: urban, suburban, or rural
We’ve written an overview of some of the most popular Pittsburgh neighborhoods that is a good starting place! Niche.com is another great resource to research neighborhoods and suburbs to discover what area best fits your needs. Tourism sites are also great resources to determine what neighborhood is the best fit.
After you decide which neighborhood best fits your needs, you can begin your apartment search. Below are some suggested questions to ask leasing agents or property managers to help choose the best location for you.
“What’s your application process and criteria?”
When apartment hunting, you should inquire about the application process and criteria as this varies from company to company. Some companies and landlords have different processes (i.e. physical form vs. online), criteria (i.e. credit and background checks), and timelines when a prospective tenant applies. Make sure you ask the property management company about their qualifications and processes to ensure you are able to move-in when needed.
The Birgo Realty application process is extremely easy for prospective tenants to apply. The entire application process takes place online. You can apply anywhere, anytime. View our available apartments and check out how simple our application process is!
“How do I pay rent and submit maintenance requests?”
Another important question to ask while apartment hunting is how maintenance request submissions and timelines are handled. These vary depending on the property management company or landlord. It’s crucial to know if tenants are responsible for maintenance or if the property management company/landlord provides maintenance. At Birgo Realty, we have an amazing maintenance staff who helps tenants with issues.
“Is there an online portal?”
Birgo Realty provides an all-in-one resident portal to promote a transparent and efficient resident experience. By logging into the portal, Birgo Realty tenants can:
- Submit and track maintenance requests
- Open shared documents (e.x. your lease)
- Contact your property manager
- Make one-time payments or set up automatic payments
“Can I send a physical check?”
If you prefer to use physical checks to pay bills and rent, this is a very important question to ask. Some property management companies or landlords may not accept physical checks. Birgo Realty offers residents the opportunity to submit payments via physical check.
“Are pets allowed? And if so, is there a fee?”
If you have a pet, it’s important to you. You want to be able to take your pet to your new home!
We at Birgo Realty know your furry friends are family. Some of the Birgo Realty properties are pet-friendly! Our amenity descriptions will dictate which properties allow pets.
“Who handles mail and deliveries? Where is mail delivered?”
Mail carriers and postal services deliver to different places at different properties. At some Birgo Realty properties, each individual apartment has a mailbox assigned to that respective unit. At other Birgo Realty properties, mail is delivered directly to tenants’ doorsteps. It’s important to ask this question while apartment hunting if you prefer or are accustomed to a certain process.
“Can you describe your ideal tenant?”
This question is important to ask while apartment hunting and touring because it allows landlords to address community expectations and guidelines.
At Birgo Realty, we strive to improve lives through real estate. We’re here to help you find the perfect apartment. View our available properties today and find your perfect space!
