You’ve checked out a number of apartments and houses to find just the
right one that suits your needs and you found the perfect place. It has adequate parking,
amenities such as a gym and a swimming pool, pets are allowed so you can bring Kitty
and all the appliances and window coverings are included. You’ve visited the property
both during the day and at night and you feel it offers you the safety and security
you want.
You’ve even talked with other tenants, and they’re happy with both the
facility and the landlord. Now check out the Before You Move in Rental Checklist for
some helpful tips.
Read the lease BEFORE you sign it
Tip: Don’t assume you know what’s in the lease and don’t
rely on what you’re being told verbally
UNDERSTAND the lease - ask for an explanation of any portion of the lease you don’t understand
Tip: Know your responsibilities and those of the landlord
Rental amounts
Rent due date
Rental term (from when to when)
Renewals (automatic or must give notice)
Utilities
Insurance
Repairs
Tip: Know what you can and cannot do (have pets, make noise, paint walls, etc.)
If you’re signing the lease with roommates ask the landlord about your specific responsibilities
Tip: If your roommates move out, you may be responsible for paying the rent in full
Ask the landlord to make a copy of the lease and other documents for each tenant (roommate)
Request a move-in inspection WITH the landlord
Inspect the property (unit) in detail (windows, doors, walls, plumbing, fixtures, window coverings, appliances, flooring, mechanical systems, fireplace, TV hookups, etc.)
Tip: Walk through the property with the landlord (take your time opening and closing doors and windows, trying appliances and plumbing, checking electrical outlets, etc.) and make note of any items needing repair, take photos, date and have both landlord and tenant sign documents regarding condition
Understand what is needed to get your security deposit returned in full at the end of your lease and make sure it’s in writing
Get a date in writing from landlord when repairs from move-in inspection will be complete
Ask landlord to show you how to operate systems and appliances in the unit
Ask landlord to walk you around common areas, providing direction on its use (pool, spa, sauna, work-out equipment, parking, laundry facilities, etc.)
Ask landlord about move-in policies (which elevator or stairs to use, times of the day you can move furniture, etc.)
Know what safety and security devices are provided and how they work
Test smoke detectors
Check common area lighting at night
Obtain emergency phone numbers from landlord
Check to see where emergency exits are located
Know whether the property is monitored by security personnel or cameras
