Back to: Finding Your Place: Overcoming Barriers in Rental Housing

• Read Every Word: Before you sign anything, read the entire lease. It might seem long, but it’s important to understand what you’re agreeing to as well as many leases have good information and tips on things like mildew prevention in bathrooms, what you can and cannot flush down the toilet, pest control and prevention etc.
• Get It in Writing: Ensure all terms, including rent, deposit, pet fees, and utilities, are clearly outlined in the lease. If it’s not written down, it’s not guaranteed.
• Check the Dates: Confirm the lease start and end dates are what you agreed upon. Knowing the term of your lease protects you from unexpected changes.
• Document Condition: Before moving in, do a walkthrough with the landlord. Take photos and note any existing damages to ensure you’re not held responsible later. EVEN BETTER: Take a video walkthrough of every room and save the video, there are many free options for uploading a video including Youtube. This will prove the condition of the unit when you took it over and is great proof to ensure you are not charged for damages you did not cause.
• Understand the Rent: Know exactly when rent is due, where and how you pay it, the acceptable payment methods, and the consequences of late payments. It is not the landlords responsibility to remind you of your obligations.
• Clarify Utilities: Make sure the lease specifies which utilities you’re responsible for and what the landlord covers. For Example: Many apartments will include water/sewer and trash in the rent but may have fees or other charges that cover some of those expenses. You want to know about those ahead of time and understand how you can help reduce costs (by recycling, minimizing water waste etc.)
• Pet Policy: If you have pets, double-check the lease for pet policies, fees, rules or restrictions.
• Maintenance and Repairs: Understand how maintenance requests should be handled and who’s responsible for what repairs. You should assume that consumables (light bulbs, batteries for smoke detectors etc) will be your responsibility as will maintaining a clean environment and preventing conditions that encourage pests.
• Subletting and Guests: Know the rules about long-term guests and subletting. Some leases strictly forbid subletting and will have limitations on how often and for how long guests are allowed. Remember, your guests are your responsibility, if they violate property rules you will be held responsible for that. Make sure guests understand and follow those rules and are respectful of your home and the property.
• Lease Termination: Be clear on the conditions under which you or the landlord can terminate the lease early and any penalties involved.
• Renewal Terms: Check if your lease renews automatically, switches to a month-to-month agreement, or if you need to sign a new lease when the term ends.
• Get a Copy: After you and your landlord sign the lease, make sure you get a copy for your records. This is your proof of agreement. This is absolutely required. Electronic copies are fine and it can be a good idea to email yourself a copy as well or save on your online storage in addition to having a paper copy to reference.
• Ask Questions: If anything is unclear, ask. It’s better to clarify doubts before signing.
• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with tenant rights in your state or city. Websites like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can be a good starting point. Your state and City may have additional resources and specific protections for renters, it is a good idea to understand what those are prior to signing the lease.
• Seek Help if Needed: If you’re unsure about the lease or if something feels off, consider consulting with a consumer advocate or a legal assistance agency. Organizations like State or Local Government housing agencies or tenant legal aid orghanizations can provide advice or support.