The online classifieds website, Craigslist.org, hosts many postings and advertisements. Although most are items you can buy or trade, you’ll also find apartments for rent. Before you agree to rent an apartment from someone who put it on Craigslist, there are some important questions to ask. What are they?

Question: What is the monthly rent?

It’s important to ask this question even if the landlord describes the monthly rent on Craigslist. Why? Because they can try to change the price. In addition, some owners have several properties and apartments for rent. Don’t let a simple mistake cost you more money in rent. Ask before scheduling a showing and then ask again before you sign your official lease.

Question: Other than the first month’s rent, what else do I have to pay?

This question is important because it will let you know if you can really afford the apartment in question. It is not uncommon for a landlord to ask a new tenant for a security deposit and the first month’s rent in advance. Others go as far as requesting last month’s rent as well. If you are on a tight budget, this might not be possible.

Question: What kind of personal information do you need from me?

This question not only allows you to be prepared when meeting with your landlord or signing the lease, but it can also alert you to a scam. Many landlords like to run background checks on new tenants; however, some scammers have used this as an opportunity to obtain social security numbers. Don’t turn down the background check if you really want the apartment, but see if the background check can be done without your social security number or if you can request it yourself.

Question: Can I see the apartment?

The answer to this question should always be yes. You should never agree to rent an apartment or sign a lease without seeing it first. Make sure the apartment is as described. This question can also alert you to potential Craigslist apartment rental scams. As noted above, some scammers will pose as property owners and claim to need your social security number, bank account information, or credit card number. They will be totally against a showing because they don’t have an apartment to show; they invented it.

The questions listed above are just a few of the many you’ll want to ask a property owner before agreeing to rent an apartment you found on Craigslist. You should ask these questions before scheduling a visit to save yourself time, money, and hassle.