Are you preparing to tour student apartments near the University of Maryland but unsure what questions you should be asking?
How can you tell whether a community will actually fit your lifestyle, budget and daily routine before signing a lease?
At Rambler, we help students explore their housing options near UMD every year, and we know that apartment tours can feel overwhelming when you don’t know what details to look for.
To help you feel confident during your search, we’ve put together 15 important questions to ask when touring a student apartment community, covering everything from lease terms and amenities to roommate policies and hidden costs, so you can find the best fit for your needs.
Read Next: 5 Benefits to Sign Your Lease Early in College Park
1. What are the specific lease terms?
Leases are lengthy documents that can be full of complex terms. It is essential to know when the lease begins and ends so ensure that you clarify when the move-in date is and how long the duration of the lease will be. You may want to also inquire about other common lease terms like quiet hours or restrictions with decorating, such as nailing pictures into the wall.
2. What is included in my monthly rental rate?
It is important to note what is included in your monthly rental rate. The WiFi at the student apartments is almost always included in the monthly rent cost. Similarly, many student housing offer smart TVs that are equipped with cable at no additional cost. Likewise, trash service is generally included in rent, but sometimes can be an added expense.
Oftentimes, the water bill is taken on as a tenant responsibility. The same is true with utilities; they are almost always a separate cost covering electricity, sewer, trash and water. Be sure to ask these clarifying questions as they will uncover hidden costs associated with signing a lease.
Read Next: What Does Student Apartment Rent Near UMD Cover?
3. How much do utilities cost?
One crucial cost is utilities included in rental rate versus ones paid separately. By discovering the average cost, it is easier to budget for living expenses and the upcoming year. If the student housing guide is unaware about specific utility costs, you can contact an individual who is higher-up for an estimate.
4. What is your pet policy?
If you or your roommates own a pet and want to bring them to your new home, you will want to inquire about a building’s pet policy as you tour a prospective housing option.
First, ask if the building is pet-friendly then you can inquire about additional expenses that apply and whether it is a one time payment or a monthly deposit. These pet policies may vary at each building, but most properties charge a deposit, additional monthly cost or both. Depending on the type of pet you want to bring, you may want to consider asking if there are restrictions on breeds or types of pets.
5. How do you handle subletting?
Suppose you are anticipating studying abroad or moving home for the summer. You don’t want to break your lease and remain liable for the rent payments, but you don’t want the space to remain empty either.
If you plan on being removed from College Park for a semester, you should raise the question about the apartments subletting policies. This is generally stated within the leasing contract, but asking on a tour simplifies and clarifies the process. This process can differ based on buildings, so double check that you are following your apartment’s terms as stated in your lease.
6. Do you require renter’s insurance?
Renters insurance is a key consideration during your housing search. Renter’s insurance covers aspects like fires, flooding and robbery. Sometimes this extends to cover personal injuries that took place within your apartment unit.
Most apartment communities require either renter’s insurance or some alternative form of insurance, with some even offering rental insurance for their own building at an extra expense. When you are touring, you will want to ask whether the apartment complex requires renter’s insurance, if they offer their own plan or if you can provide a third party insurance option.
Read Next: A UMD Student’s Guide to Renter’s Insurance
7. How do I pay rent?
When it comes time to pay rent, most companies provide several options for payment. Common ways are online each month, automatic payments or checks.
For college students, auto-pay is generally the most convenient option in an attempt to avoid late fees. This makes it so that you have one less task to remember about, easing stress. No matter the method, ensure that you have a grasp on where your payment is sent, who it is going to and the date it must be received or paid.
8. What happens if I need to break my lease?
Most individuals never anticipate breaking their lease, but it is a good thing to keep in mind just in case.
In many situations, breaking a lease results in a fine as well as finding a replacement tenant. Under certain circumstances like a medical emergency, the apartment complex will handle the replacement resident themselves. These rules differ based on property, so it’s important to ask the leasing team for their specific policy. Before you sign, take the time to review the consequences and associated costs with ending a lease early.
9. How are repairs handled?
Despite the apartment being in pristine condition upon moving in, it is still important to ask about maintenance and how they solve issues on a unit-by-unit basis. Specifically, inquire about emergency repairs to learn if maintenance is available around the clock or only during set hours. You can also question how long it will take for the team to respond to a request. Knowing how to submit a maintenance request and the associated details helps ensure that any issues are handled quickly and smoothly.
10. How secure is the property?
It is essential to know how safe your future living space will be, so you can feel comfortable in your home. While touring, ask your guide to walk you through security features. Common ones include a call box, on-site security and a key fob to control building access. If you plan to bring a car, you can also ask how residents get into the garage to ensure there is no risk of theft or damage.
Inside the apartment unit, you may see deadbolt locks on the main door and locks for individual bedrooms and bathrooms which offer privacy.
11. How often does rent typically increase, and by how much?
In College Park, it is often seen that rent prices rise each year unless re-leasing with the same apartment. This is an important factor to consider during leasing season, as you should remain on top of it to secure the best deal for your budget.
12. Is parking available and how much does it cost?
If you plan to take a car to school for convenience, parking is a priority of yours. In College Park, street parking is often hard to find and garages around campus can be expensive and far away. Finding an apartment that has a garage nearby or attached to the complex can be crucial.
Parking is an additional charge that varies depending on the property. In general at these off campus student housing garages, you can expect parking to range from $125 to $200 per month.
Read Next: Ultimate Guide to Parking at UMD
13. Do you have roommate matching?
If you are searching for a roommate but do not already have a person in mind, there are plenty of options. Many student housing communities in College Park offer roommate matching services. It requires completing a short questionnaire that asks questions about habits, routine and overall lifestyle to select the best fit for your preferences. If this idea is interesting to you, be sure to ask your tour guide if this is something they offer.
14. What expenses are due upon application, lease signing and move-in?
Aside from the monthly rent, most of the University of Maryland apartments charge an application fee, administrative fee and a security deposit before move-in rolls around.
The application fee is non-refundable and allows for the apartment to background check you as well as your guarantor. The administrative fee is generally a one time service fee for billing and other admin expenses that will arise during your leasing period. This is typically required upon signing the lease. Lastly, a security deposit is refundable, being returned after your leasing term is completed. This is only if there is not significant damage to the apartment beyond typical wear and tear.
15. Do I need a guarantor or co-signer?
Chances are you are a full time student that either has a part time job or is unemployed, and then you will need a guarantor. A guarantor is someone that co-signs the lease, and is held liable for rent payments that you do not make. Most frequently apartments require that you have a guarantor, with some other complexes offering waiver programs as special cases. This is something to keep in mind during the touring process.
Going on apartment tours is an exciting milestone in terms of finding student housing. This is the perfect time to ask lingering questions to fully understand what is offered and be confident that it checks your boxes. Before your tour, download our apartment tour checklist to guide you in comparing your options and maximizing your visit.
If you want more details about student housing around the UMD campus, contact our Rambler leasing team. We are always happy to answer direct questions.
Allison
Allison is a Property Marketing Intern for Rambler College Park. She's a student at the University of Maryland, majoring in Marketing and Management. Her favorite drink to order is a vanilla iced latte!
Published On: April 7, 2026
Last Updated On: May 6, 2026
