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A J.C. Hart Apartment Community in Carmel, IN
 

5 Questions To Ask During An Apartment Tour In Carmel

May 28, 2020

Swimming pool at Carmel apartment.
 
Going on an apartment tour is a crucial step in deciding if that a particular community is where you want to live. But while you’re looking over the bathrooms and amenities on your Carmel apartment tour, it’s also a good time to ask your guide some in-depth questions. These questions work well to help you get a glimpse of the feel and resident service the community can give. After all, your apartment will be where you call home for a while, and it’s good to understand just what you’re signing up for. To begin, here are the five questions to ask on an apartment tour in Carmel.
 

What Is The Community’s Pet Policy? 

Pets in a pet friendly apartment 

Many communities market themselves as pet-friendly apartments in Carmel, but that term means different things to different communities. Some units have restrictions on dog breeds you can own, or how many animals can be in the apartment. Certain pet policies prohibit small animals, like mice, hamsters, large birds, or snakes. And all pet policies most likely have a surcharge on rent for your pets -- and some may even charge a cleaning fee upon move out.

Inquiring about the pet policy is a no-brainer if you own a dog or cat, or you’re thinking of getting one very soon. After all, you want your pet to be just as comfortable in the apartment as you are. But it's also a great question to ask on an apartment tour if you don’t have a pet. That way, you know what animals you might cross paths with on a regular basis. We also recommend asking what pet-friendly amenities complex offers -- like dog parks or free waste disposal stations.

How Will I Pay Rent And Utilities?

Many years ago, rent was typically paid by check at the office. These days, there could be different ways to pay rent. Does the community have a mobile app or can I use direct deposit? Can I put it on my credit card and stack up points for my rent? Some companies might let you pay through trusted payment apps like PayPal or Venmo. Asking this question during an apartment tour can be critical for those who are traveling a lot or need an easier way to pay rent.

Learning the details about utilities can also make your life easier later on. What utilities come with rent? Are you able to roll utilities into my rent check? Are utilities, like water and gas, set 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 Are Available?

Swimming pool in a JC Hart community

Your Carmel apartment tour should also include a quick look. During your Carmel apartment tour you should also look at the amenities and grounds. While a short overview of what a community has is helpful, you might want to ask more about the details of the complexes’ amenities.

If you prefer to exercise early or late due to your daily schedule, make sure you ask about the fitness center’s hours -- and when it’s most often used. Parents may wish to know what the policy is for kids to use the basketball court or pool and hot tub. If you’d love an apartment that’s not just a space to lay your head down at night, but a community you can truly enjoy, it’s crucial to ask amenity questions on your apartment tour. What you learn may be the deciding factor between two apartment complexes in Carmel.

How Do You Handle Maintenance Requests?

Bedroom door of an apartment

Before you conclude your apartment tour, be sure that you ask about the maintenance situation. Maintenance policies can vary wildly, from on-site maintenance to contract repair that needs to be scheduled during operating business hours. Emergencies do occur at times, but it’s how your community responds to your maintenance needs that can make or break your living situation.

When you’re asking about maintenance, it’s good to be thorough. Does the community have emergency on-site maintenance, or can maintenance only do repairs during normal business hours? Who do I talk to when I have an urgent repair need? Is there an online form to submit a maintenance request? And how will I be notified when they are done? You may want to ask what work wouldn’t be covered by maintenance, like washer/dryer hookup or new paint.

What’s Parking Like?

Parking lot at a JC Hart community

When you’re on your apartment tour in Carmel, don’t forget to ask what you need to do with your car. Am I assigned a space, or is it first come first serve? Do I need a parking sticker or hang-tag for my car, and what if my family has multiple vehicles? Does my lease include an individual garage or carport? And make sure to inquire about the towing procedure. The last thing you need is to get your ideal apartment, but learn that you need to stalk the block repeatedly to get a curbside parking spot.
 

One One Six Apartments Will Answer All Your Questions On Your Apartment Tour In Carmel

Schedule your tour with One One Six Apartments today, and we’ll answer all your questions while taking you through one of our apartments. Just call us at (317) 350-1941 or hit 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 make it to the property? We offer virtual tours!