10 Questions You Should Ask Before Renting an Apartment
Before signing on the dotted line, make sure to ask your leasing agent the following questions.
1. What is covered in my rent?
Laying out what is covered in your rent before you sign on the dotted line is important because things like heating, electric, water and Wi-Fi can really add to your monthly costs. Knowing what is and is not included helps you budget and plan ahead.
2. What are the average utility bills?
Knowing what to expect to pay for all your utilities can play a role in whether the property is the right fit for you and your budget. Building managers should have information for what you can expect to pay in addition to your monthly rent. They may even have relationships with local internet providers and can help get you a better deal on your Wi-Fi!
3. How do I pay my rent?
Online? A check? In cash (now that’s maybe a red flag…)? Knowing how and when your rent is due is important so you don’t run into any late fees.
4. Parking – for you and your guests
Not all apartment parking lots are created equal. Make sure to get clarification on the apartment's parking situation. Is parking reserved or open and does a garage come with your unit? Will your friends get towed if they visit you and park in the lot? No one wants to get towed, so be in the know.
5. What is your early termination policy? Can I sublet if needed?
Know what the apartments termination policy is, and any fees associated with it. If you can’t terminate early, make sure you know if you can sublet your apartment and what that process is like. You may not plan to leave your lease early, but things happen and it’s best to be prepared.
6. Can I renew my lease? If I do, can I go month to month?
Most likely your apartment will have no problem with you renewing your lease (apartment managers love that), but apartments have different rules around lease terms. Some buildings are happy to go month to month (typically with an added monthly fee) and others won’t lease for terms less than 6 or even 12 months.
7. Are pets allowed? Do you have any breed restrictions?
Your fur babies are important, so make sure you check if the building you are interested in allows pets early on in the process. Some apartments advertise “pets allowed” but have breed restrictions. Asking this question to any of your perspective apartments, helps narrow down your options to best suit you (and your furry friend).
8. If something needs repairing, what is the process of submitting a maintenance request?
If your sink springs a leak at 8pm on a Friday, you don’t want your apartment flooding all weekend. Making sure your perspective apartment has quick and timely maintenance is so important in case something goes wrong. This question can be a great insight into how the management company cares for the building and should be considered when making your final decision.
9. What is the neighborhood like? Noise, traffic, and accessibility are all factors to consider.
Knowing what the neighborhood your exploring is like, can help you decide on an apartment. Is it near a campus and tends to be loud at night? What is the access to public transportation? Is it biking friendly? Know what you like and dislike and ask accordingly.
10. Have you had any issues with the apartment and if so, are they resolved?
Know the history of your unit and the building before signing your lease. You don’t what to find out too late that your building has reoccurring plumbing issues. The less surprises once you move in, the better.
Knowing what questions to ask when looking for a new apartment can be overwhelming. Make a plan before touring a unit and have your list ready. Don’t be afraid to pre-screen your unit! Email or ask on the phone your most important questions. Once you have those answers, you can make a more informed decision on touring and eventually renting the apartment.
Looking to rent an apartment? Check out our current availabilities!
Tori Madilia grew up nearly 2,000 miles from Billings, but the path that brought her to Farmstead is less random than it might seem. After making the move to the Treasure State to be closer to her boyfriend, Tori got a career nudge from someone who knew her well. Her best friend back home happened to be a community manager and had a feeling she might enjoy property management. He encouraged her to give it a try. “My best friend back home thought I’d do well at it,” Tori said. “He was right. I knew from the get-go I’d be a good fit here.”
Thomas Janis has been working in maintenance for nearly 8 years, learning as he goes and picking things up from the people around him. Today, he serves as a Senior Maintenance Technician at 10Bedrock Apartments in Box Elder, South Dakota. He is a proud member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe , a revered culture known for a deep sense of responsibility to others. Spend just a few minutes around Thomas and you’ll quickly see what matters to him. “My culture is based on warriors helping the community strive,” he said. “I carry that into my work.”
Dakota Park isn’t new to Fargo. With a few thoughtful, resident-focused updates, it’s getting even better. The community first opened in 1996 and is noteworthy as one of the largest communities in Fargo, one of the first to feature underground parking, and one of the first to have an indoor pool. It’s no surprise that many residents have chosen to call Dakota Park for decades. It truly does have everything you need. It’s been a few months since we welcomed Dakota Park into the Collective portfolio, and it’s quickly become a favorite among our team. In that time, they’ve come up with some great ideas to make it even better.
Ryan Sullivan found his way into property management when opportunity and timing aligned perfectly. Like a lot of people in 2020, Ryan found himself looking for something new. His wife, knowing how good he was at fixing things, encouraged him to look into a role with Presbyterian Homes. What started as a maintenance position quickly turned into a career as he worked his way up to second in command at one of the largest senior living locations in the state of Minnesota. Today, Ryan serves as a Senior Maintenance Technician at ElseWarehouse and The Copham in Minneapolis’ North Loop.
Collective recently expanded its presence in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood when it added The Copham in March. The Copham is a historic warehouse turned apartment community located on Washington Avenue just down the block from Collective’s ElseWarehous e. With its modern-meets-industrial style and a location in the heart of one of Minneapolis’ most vibrant neighborhoods, The Copham is a natural fit for the Collective portfolio.
Giving back is not treated as an afterthought at Collective. Team are encouraged to spend time away from the office for causes that matter to them personally.
Collective is pleased to announce the addition of The Copham, a 120-unit apartment community located on Washington Avenue in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Discover 55+ independent living at Whispering Creek in Fargo. Enjoy underground parking, resident-led activities, and maintenance-free living. Schedule a tour today.
Inclusion is more than a performative buzzword for Kayla Goebel. She lives it. Kayla, creative strategist for Collective/Great States, was recently nominated for YWCA’s Women of the Year for Advocating for Equality. Kayla’s story isn’t about one big moment, but a thousand small ones that quietly (and permanently) changed lives for the better. A Life Rooted in Inclusion If you only looked at Kayla’s resume, you would assume she is busy (and you would be right). You would see Creative Strategist. Shop crew member. Small business owner. Volunteer. Student. Proud mom to Aurora.
More than 50 team members gathered for the fifth annual Collective Connect, reinforcing a shared commitment to our residents Collective team members from across the region came together in Downtown Fargo for this year’s Collective Connect, an annual event focused on engagement, learning, and strengthening connections across the organization. Attendees traveled from Billings, Montana; Watertown, Rapid City, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota; and the Twin Cities, Minnesota, with others joining remotely. Hands-On and Practical The two-day conference was impactful and memorable, with engaging activities, networking opportunities, and shared laughter. One of the most memorable moments day was an interactive role-switching exercise designed to simulate an accelerated “day in the life” of key roles across the company. Participants rotated through scenarios as maintenance technicians, support office team members, and community managers. “My favorite part was the simulation Jade and Jacinto designed,” remarked Sydney Schultz, an Operations Support Specialist. “Watching individuals assume unfamiliar roles was compelling. It illuminated how routine challenges for one position can feel entirely foreign to another, offering a sharper perspective on the nuances of each role.” The challenges required quick thinking, collaboration, and real-time problem solving. It mirrored many of the real scenarios, like unexpected maintenance requests, that team members experience every day in service of residents. “As someone newer to the company, it gave me a deep appreciation for what my coworkers experience in their jobs,” said Dirk Monson, content specialist with Collective. “You understand quickly how interconnected everything is.” The exercise reinforced a core truth within Collective: no role operates in isolation. Maintenance, management, marketing, development, accounting, and leadership all intersect to create a top-tier resident experience. A Shared Commitment to Residents
