---
title: "Questions to ask assisted living before signing"
description: "Printable questions about the assisted living contract: fees, care levels, increases, discharge reasons, refunds and what happens if needs change."
url: https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/assisted-living-contract/
updated: 2026-10-10
site: Senior Choice Care
---

Printable checklist

# Questions to ask assisted living before you sign

The tour sells the lifestyle; the contract sets the terms. Ask these before anyone signs.

**2 minute read** Updated October 9, 2026Written by the Senior Choice Care team

In short

Before signing an assisted living contract, ask for every fee in writing, how care levels are assessed and priced, how often and how much rates have gone up, what would require your parent to move out, the notice period, refund rules, and how the community handles a hospital stay. NIA advises getting detailed information about costs and included services.

**Written by the Senior Choice Care team** Updated October 9, 2026. Facts are checked against the sources listed at the end of this page. General information; every family is different.

### Questions about the contract

1. What does the base rate include, and what costs extra?
2. How are care levels assessed and priced?
3. How much have rates risen each of the last three years?
4. What reasons would require my parent to move out, and with how much notice?
5. What happens to the room during a hospital stay?
6. What are the refund rules for move-out or death?
7. Is there a move-in or community fee, and is it refundable?
8. Do you accept Medicaid or long-term care insurance?

## Questions families ask

### What should I look for in an assisted living contract?

Fees, care-level pricing, increases, discharge reasons, notice and refunds.

### Can assisted living raise rates?

Usually yes, under the contract terms. Ask about the history.

### Can assisted living evict a resident?

Contracts list reasons a resident may have to leave. Read that section closely.

### Should someone review the contract?

Many families ask a lawyer or trusted adviser to read it first.

## Sources

- [National Institute on Aging: How to choose a nursing home or other long-term care facility](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/assisted-living-and-nursing-homes/how-choose-nursing-home-or-other-long-term-care-facility)
- [National Institute on Aging: Long-term care facilities, assisted living, nursing homes and other residential care](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/assisted-living-and-nursing-homes/long-term-care-facilities-assisted-living-nursing-homes)

## Read next

- [Questions to ask](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/)
- [Levels of care](https://seniorchoicecare.com/care-options/assisted-living/levels-of-care/)
- [Assisted living inspections](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/assisted-living-inspection-reports/)
- [Provider scorecard](https://seniorchoicecare.com/check-a-provider/provider-scorecard/)
- [Dementia doctor questions](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/doctor-about-dementia/)
- [Home health questions](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/home-health-agency/)
- [Questions for a hospice](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/hospice/)
- [Nursing home questions](https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/nursing-home/)

### Already on Medicare? Check your 2027 plan options.

Open enrollment runs October 15 through December 7. If doctors, prescriptions or health needs are changing, it is worth a look before the window closes.

[Medicare Advantage guides](https://seniorchoicecare.com/medicare-advantage/)

---
Canonical page: https://seniorchoicecare.com/questions-to-ask/assisted-living-contract/