As you are looking for a new apartment, you are going to be going on at least a few apartment tours. While apartment advertisements should clearly show detailed photos, you will want to see the apartment up close to ensure that it matches that image they’ve portrayed online. So, when you’ve scheduled your apartment tour, you’ve got to do more than look around and make sure there are enough bedrooms and closets. Consider asking the following questions to get the most of every apartment tour on your apartment search.

To start, there are plenty of questions to ask surrounding the lease. These include the price and due date of rent, whether utilities are included and which are, and the necessary downpayment for the lease. There may be a fixed amount, or it may be the first two months’ rent upfront. You can only know if you ask these critical questions. You should also ask about the length of the lease, i.e. one year, two years, or another amount of time. You may be able to afford any down payment, but if the lease length doesn’t work for your future plans, you will need to look elsewhere.

Especially for those with pets, asking about the finer details of the apartment’s pet policy. Some people may lead with this. Whether you have a pet or plan on getting a pet, you’ll need to know. Some apartment complexes require a pet deposit, a one-time down payment of sorts that you pay in case your pet makes a mess of the place by the end of your stay. Others require pet rent which must be paid with rent each month. Still others, you’ll need to do both. They may also have pet limitations, such as weight limits or limit you to two pets. Regardless, ask about the pet policy before you sign anything.

Ask the landlord, tour guide, or administrative professional about the apartment complex’s guest policy. Not every apartment has a strict guest policy, but some consider anyone staying more than a week subletting or a roommate situation, which may not be allowed. If you plan on getting a roommate or renting a room in the future, ask about these actions would affect your ability to stay in your apartment. If you don’t ask, or ignore the rules, you’ll soon be looking at apartments on pacific highlands ranch again.

While there are several critical questions for every apartment tour that everyone asks, make sure to ask about anything that matters to you. You may not have pets, or require a roommate, but want to ask about stores and schools within the community. These are also great questions. Whatever questions and aspects matter most to you in an apartment, ask these during your next apartment tour.