5 Questions To Ask During An Apartment Tour In Westfield

May 28, 2020

Touring an apartment is a crucial step in deciding if that a particular community will work for you. But while you’re looking over the kitchen and amenities on your Westfield apartment tour, try to also use the time to ask your leasing specialist some deeper questions. These questions can help you get a glimpse of the feel and tenant service the community can give. Remember that your apartment will be your home for a time, and it’s nice to see just what you’re getting into. To get you started, here are the 5 questions to ask during an apartment tour in Westfield.

What’s The Apartment’s Pet Policy?

Pets in a pet friendly apartment

Many communities advertise themselves as pet-friendly apartments in Westfield, but that term can mean a few different things. Some units have restrictions on dog breeds you can own, or how many pets can be in the unit. Some pet policies prohibit small animals, like rats, guinea pigs, birds, or lizards. And all pet policies usually charge additional rent for your furry loved ones -- and some may even have a cleaning fee when you leave.

Asking about the pet policy is a must if you own a dog or cat, or you’re considering adopting one very soon. After all, you’d like your pet to be just as at home in the apartment as you are. However, it's also a good question to ask on an apartment tour if you’re not a pet owner. That way, you know what critters you might see on a day-to-day basis. Also think of asking what pet-friendly amenities complex has -- like dog runs or free waste disposal bags.

How Will I Pay Rent And Utilities?

In the old days, rent was always paid by check at the office. These days, there could be different ways to pay. Does the complex have an app or can pay by direct deposit? Can I use my credit card and stack up points for my rent payment? Some complexes may even let you pay through trusted payment systems like Venmo or PayPal. Asking this question while on an apartment tour can be key for residents who travel or need an easier option for paying rent.

Learning how the complex handles utilities can also make your life easier later on. What utilities come with rent? Can you add utilities to my rent check? Are utilities, like gas and water, set by communal use or are they determined by each unit? Can I choose the internet, phone, or cable providers, or do I have to use the same company as the other residents? These questions should be cut and dry, but sometimes the answers are different than you'd expect.

What Amenities Will I Have Access To?

Swimming pool in a JC Hart community

Your Westfield apartment tour should also include a quick peek. During your Westfield apartment tour you should also see the amenities and grounds. While an overview of what a community has is helpful, you might wish to probe further into the details of the apartment community’s amenities.

If you want to exercise in the early morning or late at night due to your personal schedule, be sure to ask about the workout center’s hours -- and when it’s the busiest. Moms and Dads may wish to see what the children’s policy is for the fitness center or pool and hot tub. If you’d love an apartment that’s not just a place to lay your head down at night, but a community you can truly enjoy, it’s vital to ask about amenities during your apartment tour. What you learn may influence your final choice between two apartment complexes in Westfield.

What Happens If I Need Maintenance?

Bedroom door of an apartment

Before you leave your apartment tour, remember to ask about the maintenance situation. Maintenance policies can vary between companies, from 24-hour emergency response to outside contractors that needs to be booked during operating business hours. Unforeseen problems do crop up at times, but it’s how your maintenance requests are handled that can deeply influence your apartment experience.

When you’re asking about maintenance, don’t be afraid to be thorough. Does the apartment have 24-hour on-site maintenance, or can they only perform repairs during regular business hours? Who do I call about an emergency? Can I go online to fill out request maintenance? And how will I be contacted when they are done? It’s also a good idea to ask what work won’t be covered by maintenance, such as washer/dryer hookup or new shelving.

What’s Parking Like?

Parking lot at a JC Hart community

When you’re on your apartment tour in Westfield, it’s good to ask what how parking is handled. Am I assigned a place to park, or is it first come first serve? Am I given a sticker or hang-tag for my vehicle, and what happens if my family has two cars? Does the community have individual garages or carports? And make sure to inquire about the towing policy. You don’t want to get your ideal apartment, but find out that you need to circle the block for half an hour to find a curbside spot.

Ashley Place Will Answer All Your Questions On Your Apartment Tour In Westfield

Schedule your community tour with Ashley Place today, and we’ll answer all your questions while showing you the perfect apartment home. Simply call (317) 689-0173 or hit the “schedule a tour” button. And don’t forget to bring your partner or roommates, as they might have questions, too! Can’t visit the property? Virtual tours are available!