Renting an apartment, whether it's your first or your tenth, is a
big step. When you sign a lease, you're signing a legal document and
you're responsible for all the terms and requirements laid out in it.
Renting an apartment goes beyond paying your rent each month and
includes understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
Keep reading to learn the essentials of what you need to know before you
sign a lease.
The Tenancy Act
Before you even start applying for apartments, you should know your local tenancy act. While most states have tenancy and rental laws, your county or city may also have its own rules.
Understanding your rights as a tenant can help you prevent unlawful application requests by landlords, from signing an illegal lease or finding yourself in an apartment that's not a legal dwelling.
You Can Negotiate
Regardless of whether it's a renter's or an owner's market, you can negotiate on your lease. Whether you're asking for access to parking, requesting that rent increases be limited to 5 percent per year or even negotiating a reduced security deposit, it's all possible.
If you're a quality tenant with a solid history of positive rental history, any landlords should consider themselves fortunate to have you. Most landlords are willing to give a little to get a great tenant because they'll wind up saving on the maintenance costs, broken leases and empty apartments that
bad tenants can bring.
What Is and Isn't Included
Before you sign a lease for an apartment, make sure you understand what is and isn't included in the space. Some apartments include heat and power, while others don't. Other apartments include cable television and grounds maintenance, while others don't. It's important to know exactly what you can expect from your landlord and what they expect of you before you sign.
You should also ask about pets, children and roommates before committing to a space. Make sure you understand whether animals, kids, or even extended house guests are permitted on the property before you sign the lease.
If you have any concerns about your lease or rights as a tenant, most states offer tenancy advocacy services that help explain the tenancy laws to renters and can offer advice. Alternatively, you can also contract the services of a lawyer.
The Tenancy Act
Before you even start applying for apartments, you should know your local tenancy act. While most states have tenancy and rental laws, your county or city may also have its own rules.
Understanding your rights as a tenant can help you prevent unlawful application requests by landlords, from signing an illegal lease or finding yourself in an apartment that's not a legal dwelling.
You Can Negotiate
Regardless of whether it's a renter's or an owner's market, you can negotiate on your lease. Whether you're asking for access to parking, requesting that rent increases be limited to 5 percent per year or even negotiating a reduced security deposit, it's all possible.
If you're a quality tenant with a solid history of positive rental history, any landlords should consider themselves fortunate to have you. Most landlords are willing to give a little to get a great tenant because they'll wind up saving on the maintenance costs, broken leases and empty apartments that
bad tenants can bring.
What Is and Isn't Included
Before you sign a lease for an apartment, make sure you understand what is and isn't included in the space. Some apartments include heat and power, while others don't. Other apartments include cable television and grounds maintenance, while others don't. It's important to know exactly what you can expect from your landlord and what they expect of you before you sign.
You should also ask about pets, children and roommates before committing to a space. Make sure you understand whether animals, kids, or even extended house guests are permitted on the property before you sign the lease.
If you have any concerns about your lease or rights as a tenant, most states offer tenancy advocacy services that help explain the tenancy laws to renters and can offer advice. Alternatively, you can also contract the services of a lawyer.
