Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Renting an Apartment in Burlington, VT

Discovering an apartment you may want to rent feels exciting, but beware of love at first sight! While there are many great apartment options in Burlington, some may be better for your needs than others. It’s probably not possible to find out too much about a potential apartment—after all, it’s important to be comfortable and happy with where you live. Here are the top five questions you should be sure to ask before renting an apartment in Burlington, VT.

1. What exactly is included in the rent?

This may seem like an obvious question, but sometimes people make assumptions based on information from previous rental experiences. Find out whether the basics such as heat and hot water are covered, as well as what kinds of utilities, amenities and extras are included. For example, at Farrell Properties, our residents’ monthly rent covers things that aren’t included in many Burlington apartments, such as fitness rooms, garden plots and laundry.

2. What are the leasing terms and policies?

Again, be careful of making assumptions based on previous apartments you’ve lived in. Ask the leasing agent for a full overview of the leasing terms and policies.

• What are the options for paying rent (by check, online, etc.)?
• What are the applicable fees if rent is paid late?
• How much notice do you require before a resident moves out?
• What happens if I need to break my lease?
• What are your policies on subletting?
• Under what circumstances will you enter my apartment?
• Do you require a security deposit, and what are the requirements for getting the security deposit back?

3. Is this apartment pet-friendly?

Burlington is typically considered a dog-friendly city, with many of the parks, shops, and restaurants in the downtown area welcoming furry friends. Yet, it’s surprisingly difficult to find pet-friendly apartments—especially if you have a dog. If you have a pet, or even if you’re thinking about getting one, be sure to ask whether the prospective unit is pet-friendly before renting an apartment.

Even once you discover whether an apartment welcomes pets or not, consider whether your pet will truly be happy living there. We have planned for pets’ comfort at our Farrell Properties communities by including amenities such as parks and pet washes to accommodate our animal residents.

4. How do you respond to maintenance requests and emergencies?

No one wants to deal with broken appliances or other apartment issues—but things sometimes happen. Find out how the property managers respond to maintenance requests. How long does it typically take for someone to come to your place and address the problem? Is there anything in the apartment that the renter is responsible for fixing? And does the company have maintenance professionals on staff, or is the work handled by outside contractors?

Ask about emergency situations, too—things like burst pipes that need to be fixed ASAP. Who can you contact with urgent maintenance needs, and is there a 24/7 number you can call?

5. What are the parking options and public transportation access?

Whether you have a car, take your bike, or rely on the Burlington busses to get you around, you’ll want to be aware of how to access your transportation method of choice from your prospective apartment. The place you have in mind probably stood out to you because of a great location, but it’s always best to confirm things such as bike storage and parking fees. Parking can be especially tricky in Burlington. If parking is included, make sure to find out whether it’s off-street or on-street.

When you’re looking for apartment in Burlington, so many factors go into your decision. Found a place you love and ready for a showing? Ask these five questions and be sure you’re happy with the answers before signing any agreements.