When you sign a lease, you’re establishing a legal relationship with your landlord or management company. This isn’t something that should be approached lightly, by you or by apartment management. If you’re considering agreeing to lease terms, run through a mental checklist to make sure the other party is giving this as much thought and care as you are.
Here are five things you’re entitled to during the lease-signing process.
1. Accompanied walk-through. Many landlords require a walk-through as part of the moving-in process. If they don’t require it, you should — and you should ask that a representative for the building comes along with you. Make a document that lists any structural issues in the apartment, as well as the condition of all the walls, floors, windows and appliances.
Once you’ve done the walk-through, have the representative from the building sign the paper, so you have confirmation on the state of the apartment on your move-in date. That way, if there are pre-existing issues, you won’t be on the hook when it’s time to move out. Without this step, you might find yourself liable for damage that was already there.
2. Clear details. Make sure the lease includes all the little details that can get you into trouble in the long run. For example, does the lease say when you have to apply to renew your lease? Surely the lease includes when your rent is due, but are you charged a late fee right away, or is there a grace period? Does your apartment building offer any leniency for missed rent the first time?
Similarly, make sure your lease or move-in materials include contact information for the management office, maintenance and emergency maintenance. The last thing you need is a burst pipe in the middle of the night and no idea who to call.
3. Pet information. If you have a pet, you’ve probably already discussed pet information at this point. Even if you don’t, however, you should ask about the building’s pet policy. There are a couple of reasons this is worth asking about. For one, what if you decide at some point in the future you want to adopt a furry friend?
Alternatively, maybe you have a friend or significant other who may become a roommate down the line, and he or she has a cat or dog. There’s always the possibility of pets in your future — asking now can save you some trouble later on.
4. Everything written down. Obviously your lease itself will be a written contract, but there may be some details you’ve only ever discussed aloud. If your building has a policy against pets, but the landlord told you your hermit crabs are OK, make sure you have that in writing.
Similarly, if you’ve had any fees waived or discounts applied, get those in writing. This doesn’t even come down to not trusting the people in the leasing office — things get forgotten or lost, and it’s best to have everything on the record.
5. Time to decide. If a landlord or rental company is pressuring you to sign a lease immediately, consider that a red flag. You should be given time to think the offer over before you make a decision. That said, not all buildings will be able to offer the same window.
If there’s only one unit available, and the landlord knows someone else is already considering it, he or she may only be able to give you a day or two to think it over. However, you should always be able to have some to determine whether the apartment is the right fit.
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5 Things You’re Entitled to When Signing a New Lease originally appeared on usnews.com
