Apartment Rental Tips

Location and Safety

As you check out the immediate neighborhood, be alert for security issue signs. These include bars on private homes windows, and graffiti on walls, alleys or apartment buildings. If there are neighboring apartment buildings, note any graffiti on the buildings or trash strewn on the lawns. Cleanliness is a good indicator of upkeep. If common areas like hallways, elevators, laundry room, lobby and parking lots are filthy and rundown, it’s an indicator of landlord neglect. If the building’s exterior is trashed, interior apartments probably won’t be in good condition.

Background and Credit Checks

Often you must complete a background check before signing a lease. Information needed includes bank accounts, income, previous addresses, rental history and personal and professional references. For a credit check, a landlord will need your Social Security number to check on your financial history. Unless you absolutely sure you want to rent, don’t give out your SSN casually because of the threat of identity theft. You may want to Check Your Credit Reports beforehand in order to know what to expect from this check, and how your Credit Scores may affect your chances of renting. Then check out ways to Improve Credit Score.

Leases vs Month-to-Month Renting

Rental agreements and leases are legally-binding documents for long-term tenancy. Leases generally run for six months or a year with renewable options. Month-to-month rental agreements provides flexibility to you and your landlord. You’re not locked in for a long periods which can be good if the landlord reneges on any part of the rental agreement. The downside is the landlord could decide not to renew your agreement for any reason, forcing you to relocate.

Read your agreement thoroughly and understand it completely before signing. Your landlord is required to give you a copy of the agreement. File it carefully because it‘s the only proof of your tenancy and you‘ll also need it when you move out and try to collect on your deposits.

Apartment Rental Agreements Should Include:

• Rental amounts and terms
• Required damage deposit and refund policy
• Length of occupancy
• Termination requirements
• Paid utilities included Utilities
• Subletting
• When and how must rent be paid each month
• Landlord's right-of-entry: landlord has a right to enter at reasonable times to inspect and make repairs but cannot enter without permission.
• Guest policy
• Apartment rules of conduct
• Repairs needed and completion dates before you move in
• Use of recreational facilities
• Pet policy

Deposits

• First and last month's rent
• Damage deposit.
• Key deposits: locked gates, parking lot entryways, mailbox
• Pets

Inspection Checklist

Security

• Check the door for sturdiness and evidence of attempted break-ins
• Check operation of deadbolts
• Ask if additional deadbolts can be installed
• Check windows to insure they close and lock properly
• Check exterior lighting to make sure it works
• Check entrance: is it overgrown with plants and need to be cleared?

Damage

Inspect the apartment with the manager or landlord before you move in. List existing damage. Both you and the manager/landlord should sign and date this list. Sign it yourself, and make Provide a copy to the manager/landlord. You will expected to leave the premises in the same condition as when you took occupancy minus reasonable wear-and-tear. A photographic record of each room is a good idea that can provide later proof of any improvements that you’ve done to improve the living area, or damage that was never repaired as agreed.

Inspect these interior items

• Cracked plaster
• Torn draperies
• Worn and dirty carpets
• Broken lighting fixtures
• Faucets and shower, windows.
• Electrical outlets: check to see that they work and locations
• Phone jacks: check to see that they work and locations
• Ceiling fans to make sure they work

Test all kitchen appliances and inspect storage

• Stove: make sure all switches and burners work
• Oven: check gas line for leaks
• Refrigerator
• Heater
• Air conditioner
• Dishwasher
• Garbage disposal
• Faucets
• Cupboards and storage cabinets for mouse or roach droppings.

Bathrooms

• Tiling for mold?
• Sink enamel scratched or chipped?
• Flush toilet and listen for any leaking sounds
• Check floor around toilet for moisture or leaks
• Check sink water pipes and connections for leaks and rusting pipes in cupboard underneath
• Check faucets to insure they work and don’t leak
• Check shower

Bedroom

• Check closets for broken shelves or clothes hanger poles
• Check closets for mold and mildew odors
• Check how thin the walls between the bedrooms and common walls

Garage

• Check washer and dryer hookup
• Check to insure all doors lock and that the locks function without difficulty