What Questions Should ASU Students Ask Before Signing an Apartment Lease in Tempe?
ASU students should ask at least 15 specific questions about lease terms, utility responsibilities, maintenance response times, and fee structures before signing any Tempe apartment contract. Leases near Arizona State University vary significantly between student-focused complexes and private landlords, and what seems like a standard agreement often contains provisions that cost students hundreds of dollars in unexpected fees. The questions below separate trustworthy Tempe landlords from problematic ones and reveal hidden costs before you are legally committed.
TL;DR: Quick Answer
- Always ask for the previous 12 months of utility bills before signing any Tempe apartment lease near ASU.
- Confirm in writing what happens to your lease if a roommate breaks theirs, especially in joint-lease buildings.
- Ask about all move-in fees, not just the security deposit: administrative fees, pet deposits, and parking charges add $300 to $800 at many complexes.
- Request the landlord’s average maintenance response time and confirm the emergency contact protocol.
- Find My Place listings include verified landlord information, helping ASU students identify reputable Tempe housing providers before asking these questions.
Questions About Lease Terms and Flexibility
What is the exact lease end date, and what happens if I need to leave early?
Most Tempe landlords give a straightforward answer. Vague responses to this question signal problems. You want a specific date and a specific early termination policy in writing.
Does this lease auto-renew, and what is the notice period required to avoid renewal?
Auto-renewal clauses in Tempe apartment leases can trap ASU students in additional lease terms if they miss the notice deadline. Some leases require 60-day written notice. Missing it can bind you to another full year.
Can I sublet or transfer my lease if I need to leave ASU or study abroad?
Your ability to exit the lease through a transfer matters enormously. Prohibited subletting eliminates one of the most cost-effective exit options. Know this before you sign.
What happens to my lease if my roommate stops paying or breaks their lease?
In joint-lease arrangements, one person’s default affects everyone. In per-bed leases, it does not. This single question can save you thousands of dollars and enormous stress.
Questions About Costs and Hidden Fees
What is the total move-in cost, including all deposits and administrative fees?
Security deposits, administrative fees, pet deposits, parking deposits, and utility startup costs all appear at move-in. Get this number in writing. Total move-in costs at many Tempe complexes run $1,200 to $2,500 beyond first month’s rent.
What fees exist outside of monthly rent and utilities?
Pest control fees, trash valet fees, package locker fees, amenity access fees, and parking charges appear monthly on some Tempe apartment bills. Ask to see a complete fee schedule.
What is your policy on rent increases at renewal?
Tempe landlords are not required to limit rent increases. Some raise rents 10 to 20 percent annually. Knowing the expected increase before you sign helps you plan your budget for subsequent years.
Are there any fees for guests, overnight visitors, or additional occupants?
Some Tempe complexes charge for additional occupants beyond the lease. Overnight guest policies vary widely. ASU students who have family visiting or friends staying occasionally need to know these rules.
Questions About Utilities and Maintenance
Can I see the previous 12 months of utility bills for this specific unit?
Reliable landlords provide this without hesitation. Reluctant landlords often have units with unusually high utility costs. Arizona’s summer electricity bills in poorly insulated units can shock students from other states.
Who handles maintenance requests, and what is your average response time?
A phone number with no backup policy is not an answer. You want a system. A portal, a process, a guarantee on response times. Ask for the emergency contact protocol separately from routine maintenance.
What appliances are included, and who is responsible for repairs?
In-unit washer and dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator, and microwave status all affect your monthly expenses. Broken appliances that are the landlord’s responsibility should be repaired by the landlord, but some leases shift that cost to tenants in non-obvious ways.
Is parking included, and what are the parking rules for guests?
Parking near ASU’s Tempe campus is competitive. Assigned parking spots, guest parking passes, and parking permit requirements vary significantly. Uncovered parking in Tempe summer sun damages cars over time. Covered or garage parking adds value.
Questions About the Building and Management
Who manages this property, and how do I reach them after hours?
Individual landlords and property management companies operate differently. Knowing who handles your building and how responsive they have been historically helps you assess the tenancy experience.
Have there been any pest control issues in the building in the last year?
Roaches and scorpions are realities in Tempe. Responsible landlords address infestations promptly. Evasive answers suggest ongoing problems.
Can I speak with a current tenant before signing?
Reputable Tempe landlords welcome this request. It demonstrates confidence in their property management. A landlord who refuses or deflects this question is telling you something important.
How to Use These Questions Effectively
Bring this list to every Tempe apartment tour. Write down the answers as you receive them. Do not rely on memory.
Inconsistencies between what you are told verbally and what appears in the lease are significant warning signs. If a landlord tells you one thing during the tour and the lease says something different, the lease controls. Always.
Request answers to the most important questions in writing before signing. Email confirmation is sufficient. Preserve every communication.
Find My Place connects ASU students with Tempe landlords who have established reputations among the Sun Devil community. Using a trusted platform reduces the likelihood of encountering landlords who cannot answer these questions straightforwardly.
ASU students who ask these questions consistently report better tenancy experiences, fewer surprise fees, and more confidence in their housing decisions near Arizona State University’s Tempe campus.
