What You Need to Know Before You Rent

When you find yourself in the market to rent a property, whether it's for an apartment, an efficiency apartment, a townhouse or single-family home, one of the most important questions to ask a prospective landlord is if there will be a written lease. Verbal agreements are not binding in most states and usually fall into a "he said, she said" situation when there is a dispute between tenant and landlord. A written lease, signed by both parties who agree to the terms of the lease, is legally binding in all states.

While some landlords have leases drawn up by a lawyer, many landlords will use a standard lease that can be found in stationary stores or online, or one they have typed out themselves. Written leases should include important items, such as the beginning and ending dates that determine the length of time the lease is in effect, whether or not there is a security deposit required and the amount of that deposit, and the amount of rental due along with the due date. If not specified on the lease, it's very important to ask the landlord if there is a grace period for paying the rent. Some landlords will allow a tenant to pay 7, 10 or even 15 days past the due date, while others require payment on the due date with no exceptions. It is good idea to ask if a late fee will be charged for paying past the due date.

Circumstances such as a job transfer to another city, or job loss, may require the tenant to move before the end of the term of the lease. Ask your prospective landlord how much notice he would require should you have to terminate the lease early and any fees that may be involved if this is not noted on your lease. It would also be helpful to find out if the landlord would allow you to sublet the property to a third party until the term of the lease is satisfied. If these items are not included on the standard lease, ask the landlord to add an addendum to be initialed by both parties.

Most apartment owners and homeowners require a security deposit to cover any damages beyond normal wear and tear during your tenancy. You must not assume that the landlord will accept the security deposit as your last month's rent should you have to terminate early. If you own a pet, you need to advise the landlord that your pet will be moving in with you and inquire if he or she will be charging a separate pet security deposit that covers any damages done by an animal.

When moving into an apartment complex with a parking lot or parking garage, ask the landlord if there are assigned parking spots for each apartment and how many vehicles per household are allowed. This knowledge will help prevent disagreements between tenants.

Most apartment management personnel will handle unexpected electrical and plumbing repairs within each apartment at no cost to the tenant, while some landlords don't provide that service. You need to know what, if any, repairs you might be required to make. Most apartment complexes provide lawn care and snow removal but you should verify that with the landlord or management team.

Homeowners who are renting out their homes may provide most of the repairs that may need to be done in and around their home. However, most do not provide lawn care or snow removal, and you should ask the homeowner what you will be responsible for. These things should be added to the lease if they are not so stated in the original.

Some apartment complexes, and even some homeowners, will include the cost of some utilities, such as heating, water and trash removal, in the rental amount. Other landlords require all utilities to be put in the tenant's name and paid directly by the tenant to the utility company. If these items are not listed on your lease, you should ask the prospective landlord to make an addendum.

When looking for a place to rent, you should consider the appearance of the neighborhood, cleanliness, distance to schools, stores, hospitals, and your place of employment. It is in your best interest, legally and for peace of mind, to obtain a written lease, read it completely, and ask questions before you sign.