Five Questions To Ask During An Apartment Tour In Indianapolis

May 28, 2020

Swimming pool at Indianapolis apartment.

Walking through apartment tours is a necessary step in finding out that a particular community is where you want to live. But while you’re exploring the bathrooms and storage space on your Indianapolis apartment tour, it’s also a good time to ask your leasing specialist some deeper questions. These questions are good to help you get a glimpse of the atmosphere and resident service the complex can offer. Remember that your apartment will be your home for a time, and it’s good to know just what you’re getting into. To get you started, here are the five questions to ask on an apartment tour in Indianapolis.

What’s The Community’s Pet Policy?

Pets in a pet friendly apartment

Many complexes advertise themselves as pet-friendly apartments in Indianapolis, but that can be a fairly vague term. Some buildings have restrictions on dog breeds you can own, or how many pets can be in the unit. Some pet policies prohibit small animals, such as mice, hamsters, large birds, or reptiles. And all pet policies usually have a pet fee for your animals -- and some may even charge a cleaning fee when you move out.

Inquiring about the pet policy is a must if you have a dog or cat, or you’re considering adopting one in the near future. After all, your pet needs to be just as comfortable in your apartment as you are. However, it's also a great question to ask on an apartment tour if you don’t have a pet. That way, you know what kinds of animals you might run into on a day-to-day basis. Also think of asking what pet-friendly amenities complex offers -- such as dog runs or free waste disposal bags.

How Will I Pay Rent And Utilities?

20 years ago, rent was typically paid by dropping off a check at the office. Now, there could be multiple ways to pay rent. Does the company have an app or can they link direct deposit through my bank? Can I pay by credit card and receive reward points for my rent payment? Some complexes might allow you to pay through trusted payment companies like Venmo or PayPal. Asking this question during an apartment tour can be critical for residents who travel or require a more convenient way to pay rent.

Learning how the complex handles utilities can also make your life easier later on. What utilities are included? Are you able to incorporate utilities in my rent check? Are utilities, such as water and gas, determined by communal use or are they calculated by each individual apartment? Do I have a choice on the internet, phone, or cable providers, or do I have to use the same provider as everyone else in the community? These questions may feel cut and dry, but sometimes the answers can surprise you.

What Amenities Can I Use?

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 walk through the amenities and grounds. While a short overview of what a community offers is nice, you may want to ask more about the details of the apartment community’s amenities.

If you want to exercise in the morning or late due to your work schedule, make sure you ask about the fitness center’s hours -- and when it’s the busiest. Parents may like to see what the children’s policy is for the basketball court or pool and hot tub. If you’re looking for an apartment that’s not only a place to lay your head down at night, but a community you can truly enjoy, it’s vital to get your amenities questions answered while on your apartment tour. What you learn may be the deciding factor between two apartments in Indianapolis.

How Do I Request Maintenance?

Bedroom door of an apartment

Before you conclude your apartment tour, be sure that you ask about the maintenance situation. Maintenance policies can vary between companies, from 24-hour emergency response to outside repair that has to be booked within operating business hours. Emergencies do happen at times, but it’s how your maintenance requests are handled that can make or break your living situation.

When you’re asking about maintenance, it’s good to be thorough. Does the complex have 24-hour on-site maintenance, or can maintenance only work on repairs during operating business hours? Who do I call about an emergency? Can I go online to submit request maintenance? And how will I be notified when they are finished? You might even want to ask what services isn’t performed by maintenance staff, such as washer/dryer installation or new paint.

What’s Parking Like?

Parking lot at a JC Hart community

When you ask questions on your apartment tour in Indianapolis, it’s good to ask what where you park your car. Do I get an assigned space, or is parking by my building open to all residents? Am I given a parking sticker or hang-tag for my car, and what if my family has two or more vehicles? Does my lease include an individual garage or carport? And remember to inquire about the towing procedure. You’d hate to find your ideal apartment, but realize that you need to stalk the block for half an hour to snag a curbside parking spot.

Block 20 Will Answer All Your Questions During Your Apartment Tour In Indianapolis

Schedule your tour with Block 20 today, and we’ll answer each of your questions while taking you through one of our apartments. Just call 463-777-2762 or click the “schedule a tour” button. And don’t forget to ask your partner or roommates to come, too, as they may ask some questions, too! Can’t visit the property? We offer virtual tours!