Questions you should ask before you sign your lease:
oWhen is the rent due and what are the penalties for late payments?
oWhat is the length of the lease?
oOnce the lease is over, am I required to renew for a whole year or on a month to month basis?
oAre there lease breaking fees or penalties?
oIs sub leasing allowed?
oHow much is the security deposit?
oWhat utilities are included in the rent and what is the average monthly cost for utilizes?
oIs parking included in the rent and what type of parking is it: street, garage, off street?
oWhere are the smoke detectors and do they work?
oHow is routine maintenance completed, is there 24 hour service?
oDo you require renter's insurance?
oWhat are your pet policies and are there any extra fees associated?
oAm I allowed to paint, use nails to hand pictures?
oAre there noise restrictions?
oAm I allowed overnight guests?
oIs there a fee associated with getting a roommate at a later time?
oLaundry units, are they pay per load?
If you have ever rented before, you may have experienced how difficult it is to get your entire security deposit back at the end of your contract. These tips will help make the process a little easier:
oBefore you move in make a list and take pictures of any repairs or damages that need to be fixed
oOutline the exact condition of the apartment from cracks in the wall to scratches in the floor and stains on the carpet
oGive a written copy/ photographs to the landlord and keep a copy for yourself
oAsk for a receipt of the deposit and keep your canceled check, Don't pay in cash!
oKeep a record of paying your rent in full and on time every month to avoid having late fees deducted from your deposit
oCleaning and repairing your apartment before you leave is essential
oVandalism or malicious mischief
oTheft
oDamage by glass or safety-glazing material that is part of a building
oVolcanic eruption
oFalling objects
oWeight of ice, snow, or sleet
oWater-related damage from home utilities
oElectrical surge damage