Good Questions to Ask a Potential Landlord

Are you the owner?
Many properties are leased and maintained by management companies.  However, an owner has a financial interest in a property and will therefore normally make sure their investment is well taken care of.  If the property is being leased by a management company, ask how involved the owner is with the properties.

How long have you owned/managed this property?
Every property has a personality.  The longer an owner or a management company has been associated with a property, the more they know about its history, especially maintenance concerns that you should be aware of.

How long have you been in the rental business?
As with anything, the longer someone has been doing something, the better at it they tend to be.

Is renting properties your primary business?
Many people and businesses rent properties as a sideline.  Those who specialize in rentals tend to be better at it.  However, it is also good for you if the owner or manager's primary business is closely associated with the rental industry.

What is your primary business (if not rentals)?
Because rental property is a wise investment, it is common for renting not to be the owner's primary business.  However, it is a plus for you if the owner specializes in something related to rentals, such as real estate, construction, a trade craft (i.e. electrician, plumber), etc.

Are you a member of any trade association?
Many landlords are members of local and state trade associations, such as those for Real Estate Agents, Builders, or Apartment Owners.  These various associations offer training, education, and advice to their members. 

Is there a fee for submitting an application?
It is a common practice in many states to require an "application fee" to ensure the sincerity of the applicant.  Application fees are not allowed in Wisconsin.  However, landlords can charge for the actual cost of running a credit report, if you are given a copy.

What are your application guidelines?
Many landlords have minimum standards for applicants to meet.  These standards may be based on income, credit rating, rental history, etc.  Finding out what standards a landlord has will give you a general idea about the quality of tenant they have.  However, landlords may not use standards that unfairly discriminate.  If you have questions about any specific standard, ask.

Will there be a written lease?
Some people don't like being tied into a contract, however a rental agreement set forth in writing not only protects the landlord, it protects you as well.

May I see a copy of the lease before putting any earnest money down?
Although most leases have similar language, landlords in Wisconsin are allowed to establish "Non-Standard Rental Provisions" which are special conditions not found on the standard lease.  Before putting earnest money down, ask to review all the potential terms.  Wisconsin law mandates landlords offer you the chance to review the lease documents before accepting any money.

Who does the maintenance and upkeep on the property?
Many owners take pride in their properties and do most of the upkeep themselves.  Larger landlords may have full-time employees just for property maintenance.  Meanwhile, other owners and management companies subcontract out routine maintenance items.

How long have they been doing the maintenance?
If the owner doesn't do their own work, it is important that the people who will be entering your home or business for maintenance items have a good history with the landlord.  If the work is done by employees, the company should have a history of long employment relationships with trustworthy people.  The same is true of a sub-contractor.

What maintenance am I responsible for?
In Wisconsin, law provides that items minor in relation to the rent are your responsibility, including things such as light bulbs, drippy faucets, clogged toilets, etc.  Confirm with your prospective landlord what items would be your responsibility.  And, if you don't want to or can't do these items, find out if the landlord will do them for you and at what cost.

How long does it take, on average, for an "emergency" maintenance repair?  How long for a "non-emergency"?
The sooner the landlord can address your needs, the better.  As a guideline, emergencies should be addressed the same day.  Non-emergencies should be done within a week or less.  Be sure to ask what the landlord would consider an "emergency" and how to reach someone if it is after "normal business hours."