Rental Information for Prospective Tenants

Thinking of You . . .

Some helpful information before renting an apartment.

  • One of the first steps involved in this time consuming exercise is deciding whether you want to live alone or share you home with a roommate. This decision will affect your cost of living.
     

  • Beginning your search, you want to have a fair idea of what you would like in an apartment (# of bedrooms, # of bathrooms, # of square footage, location, amenities, etc.).
     

  • You do not want to sign a lease before looking at the apartment! Always view the perspective apartment before you sign.
     

  • Dress appropriately while viewing the apartment. Landlords don’t have to rent to you.
     

  • While viewing the apartment ask the landlord questions. Good questions to ask are what utilities are included in the rent and if none are included does he/she have an estimated amount for the utilities. Ask about the neighborhood, is it safe etc.?
     

  • Determine if the apartment is large enough to accommodate all of your belongings.
     

  • Ask if a security deposit is required. Also some landlords require first and last months rent.
     

  • If you have any pets, make sure they are allowed and if so ask if there is any additional security deposit required for the pet.
     

  • Inquire whether the apartment has off street parking available. Ask if there is an additional charge for the off street parking.
     

  • Inquire about laundry facilities and whether they are onsite or where the closest laundry mat is located.
     

  • Have your check book or cash with you. If you decide this is the right apartment for you, then you can put a deposit down to hold the apartment.
     

  • Most landlords require a lease agreement. If you are going to sign a lease on the spot, you must be prepared to fill out the application. It is essential to have all your information with you. Have you social security number, your banking information, reference numbers, etc.
     

  • Be absolutely sure you understand the lease agreement before you sign it!
     

  • If the landlord does not have a lease agreement, try to get something in writing to protect yourself.
     

  • Make sure you know the date the rent is due and if there a penalty if the rent is late.
     

  • Ask about penalties for breaking your lease agreement and legal reasons for terminating your lease agreement.
     

  • Ask about the maintenance policy, whether it is your responsibility or the landlords. Snow shoveling, garbage removal, lawn cutting, etc.
     

These are just some tips that we thought might make your apartment search a little easier.

GOODLUCK IN YOUR APARTMENT SEARCH!