5 Questions To Ask On An Apartment Tour In Indianapolis

May 28, 2020

Swimming pool at Indianapolis apartment.

Walking through apartment tours is a crucial step in deciding if that a particular community will work for you. But while you’re looking over the apartment floor plan and storage space on your Indianapolis apartment tour, try to also use the time to ask your leasing specialist some probing questions. These questions can help you get a glimpse of the atmosphere and tenant service the community can provide. After all, your apartment will be your home for some time, and you should see just what you’re signing up for. To get you started, here’s a list of the 5 questions to ask during an apartment tour in Indianapolis.

What’s The Community’s Pet Policy?

Pets in a pet friendly apartment

Many communities market themselves as pet-friendly apartments in Indianapolis, but that term means different things to different communities. Some apartments have restrictions on dog breeds you can own, or how many animals can live in the apartment. Certain pet policies prohibit small animals, such as rats, hamsters, large birds, or snakes. And all pet policies typically charge additional rent for your furry loved ones -- and some may even have a cleaning charge upon move out.

Finding out about the pet policy is a no-brainer if you have a dog or cat, or you’re wanting to get one soon. After all, you want your pet to be just as comfortable in the apartment as you are. However, it's also a handy question to ask on an apartment tour if you don’t have a pet. That way, you know what critters you might cross paths with on an everyday basis. Also think of asking what amenities the apartment complex has for pets -- such as dog parks or provided waste disposal bags.

How Will I Pay Rent And Utilities?

Many years ago, rent was always paid by dropping off a check at the main office. Today, there could be many ways to pay. Does the company have an app or can they link direct deposit through my bank? Can I use my credit card and stack up reward points for my rent payment? Some complexes might even allow you to pay through popular payment systems like Venmo or PayPal. Asking this question while on an apartment tour can be critical for residents who are traveling a lot or require an easier way to pay rent.

Learning the details about utilities can also save you headaches later on. What utilities are included with rent? Are you able to add utilities to my rent check? Are utilities, such as gas and water, based on communal use or are they calculated by individual apartments? Can I choose the internet, phone, or cable providers, or am I limited to the apartment contractor? 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 Indianapolis apartment tour should also include a quick look. During your Indianapolis apartment tour you should also look at the amenities and grounds. Although a broad understanding of what a community has is good, you might wish to inquire about the details of the communities’ amenities.

If you prefer to exercise early or at night to accommodate your work schedule, make sure you ask about the fitness center’s hours -- and when it’s the busiest. Families may like to see what the policy is for children to use the gym or pool and hot tub. If you want an apartment that’s not just somewhere to sleep, but a community to fully enjoy, it’s important to ask amenity questions on your apartment tour. What you learn may influence your final choice between two apartment complexes in Indianapolis.

How Do I Request Maintenance?

Bedroom door of an apartment

Before you leave your apartment tour, remember to ask about the maintenance situation. Maintenance practices can vary wildly, from 24-hour emergency response to contract contractors that needs to be booked during regular business hours. Emergencies do happen at times, but it’s how maintenance is able to respond that can deeply influence your living situation.

When you’re asking about maintenance, go ahead and be thorough. Does the community have emergency on-site maintenance, or can they only do repairs during operating business hours? Who do I talk to when I have a critical repair issue? Do they have an online form to fill out a maintenance request? And how will I be contacted when they’ve completed the repair? You may want to ask what services isn’t performed by maintenance staff, like washer/dryer hookup or new shelving.

Where Do I Park?

Parking lot at a JC Hart community

When you ask questions on your apartment tour in Indianapolis, don’t forget to ask what how parking is handled. Am I assigned a parking spot, or is parking open to whoever gets there first? Do I need a sticker or hang-tag for my car, and what happens if my family has two or more vehicles? Does my lease include an individual garage or carport? And remember to inquire about any towing policies. You’d hate to discover your ideal apartment, but learn that you have to go around the block repeatedly to get a curbside parking spot.

StoneBridge Will Answer All Your Questions On Your Apartment Tour In Indianapolis

Schedule your community tour with StoneBridge today, and we’ll answer all your questions while taking you through the perfect apartment home. Just call us at 317-743-2959 or hit the “schedule a tour” button. And don’t forget to bring your partner or roommates, as they may ask some questions, too! Can’t visit the property? Virtual tours are available!