9 Things Every
Renter Should Know by Jonathan Lammers
1. Be Prepared
Before you even begin looking for an apartment,
make a list of what you absolutely need vs. extras
you'd like to have. Important considerations include
access to employment, shopping, schools, parking
and recreation. Don't forget to keep your budget
in mind, and make sure you have adequate funds
to cover deposits, utility hookups and other service
fees.
2. Make a Renter's
Resume
You can save time and make your apartment search
easier by preparing a renter's resume early on
in the process. A renter's resume includes information
desired by leasing agents such as your contact
information, employment background, credit history,
names of previous landlords and/or references,
and whether or not you smoke or have pets.
3. Look for Professional Management
One way you can help avoid unscrupulous landlords
is by choosing an apartment complex run by professional
managers. Many of today's best apartment communities,
such as those found in the Rental Guide, are managed
by professional staff who care about having satisfied
tenants and making sure the property is well maintained.
4. Find Out What's Included
As soon as possible, find out what services are
included with your rental payment. Who pays for
garbage pickup? Are heat and water included? What
about cable or Internet connections? You should
also ask about common facilities such as a pool,
gym or laundry room. If parking is a question,
find out if you have an assigned space and where
visitors can park.
5. Inspect the
Apartment
Prior to signing any lease agreement, you should
always ask to see the unit you'll be renting.
Not only does this give you a chance to make sure
the space is clean and acceptable, but also identify
any existing problems so there won't be disputes
later on. If possible, try and visit during the
daytime when there's plenty of light.
6. Talk to the Neighbors
Introducing yourself to the neighbors is an excellent
method for learning more about an apartment community.
Important questions to ask include what they like
and dislike about living there, how quickly problems
are fixed, whether the units are adequately soundproofed,
the availability of hot water and water pressure,
safety concerns, and their opinion of the neighborhood.
7. Read Your Lease, Know Your
Rights
It is extremely important to read your lease thoroughly
and resolve any questions before you sign. Key
points to review include:
- Amount of the deposit and when it is refunded
- Length of the lease, and any charges for
breaking the lease
- Payment due date, and late payments fees
- What services are included (utility, heat,
water, garbage, etc.)
- What repairs the landlord is obligated to
fix
- Whether or not you can paint or make other
changes
- How disputes with neighbors (e.g. noise)
are handled
- What access the landlord is allowed
- Whether you can sublease or bring in other
roommates
8. Get it in Writing
If you and the landlord have verbally agreed to
any special accommodations or repairs, make sure
they're written into the lease before you sign.
It's also important to include the name of everyone
who'll be living in the apartment on the lease.
Otherwise, you may end up being financially responsible
for damages caused by your roommate.
9. Living with Pets
While owning a pet may put you at a disadvantage,
getting the apartment you want isn't impossible
if you can show evidence that you're a responsible
owner. Try obtaining referrals from former landlords,
neighbors or your veterinarian. You might also
volunteer to put down an extra pet deposit, or
write a damages agreement into your lease. If
that doesn't work, try contacting local animal
shelters; they often maintain lists of apartments
where pets are accepted.
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