Renter’s Checklist

When you think you’ve found the perfect apartment, protect… Renter’s Checklist

When you think you’ve found the perfect apartment, protect yourself by asking these important questions before you sign the lease:

Who lives around you in the building? What about in adjacent properties and in the neighborhood generally? Are both the interior and exterior of the building clean and well maintained? Does the landlord live on the premises? Does a maintenance man live there or nearby? Are there private grounds around the building? Has the apartment been exterminated since the previous tenants moved? If not, when will it be done? Does the apartment need to be painted? If so, who will paint it and/or pay for the paint? Does the building have a security system? Are the hallways well lit? Are there fire extinguishers and smoke detectors? Does the building have a fire escape? If not, where is the nearest emergency exit? Is the street well lit? Does the apartment door have an adequate lock? Is there a dead bolt? What do you do if you lose your apartment keys? Is there a doorbell? Does it work? Who do you call for emergencies or repairs? Is there someone on call at all times for emergencies? Are there laundry facilities in the building? If not, are there facilities nearby? Is there storage space allocated for you outside the apartment? Is there a private, secure mailbox? Is private parking available? If so, is it free? If not, where can you park? If you have to park on the street, what are the parking rules on that street? Is the apartment near public transportation? If not, how will you get to campus? How close are grocery and convenience stores to the apartment? What about other shops, restaurants, entertainment, etc.? How, where and when do you dispose of trash? Is there sufficient closet space in the apartment? Will your furniture fit comfortably in the apartment? If the apartment is furnished, is the furniture in good condition and adequate for your needs? Is there an ample number of wall outlets? Do the light fixtures work? Will you need additional lighting in the apartment? Is there a sufficient number of working phone jacks? Are there enough windows in the apartment? Do they open and close? Do they lock? Are screens provided? If the apartment is carpeted, is the carpet clean and in good condition? Who pays for utilities? What is the average cost per month? How is the apartment heated (gas or electric)? Who pays for and/or controls the heat? When is it turned on? Is the apartment air-conditioned? Who controls and pays for it? When is it turned on? Are the appliances gas or electric? Are they in good condition? When were they last serviced? Is the refrigerator clean and in good condition? Is there plenty of freezer space? Is there ample water pressure in both the kitchen and bathroom? Who pays for water? Do the faucets, traps or toilets leak? Is there a shower as well as a tub in the bathroom? Are there any signs of water damage around water fixtures or on the ceiling? Are there restrictions on decorating the apartment? Can you hang pictures without being penalized? Are draperies, curtain rods, or blinds included? Are there any restrictions regarding guests, parties, etc.? Is there ample room to study for each occupant of the apartment? Is there sufficient privacy? Are there limits to the number of occupants permitted in the apartment? What are the requirements for a full refund of your security deposit? Are pets or children allowed? If so, is there an additional charge?

Talk to other tenants who live in the building, if possible. Ask them if the landlord is fair and responsive. Be sure all agreements you have with the landlord are in writing. Be sure all damages and deficiencies are noted, and get a copy of the lease signed by the landlord. In addition, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if they have any complaints on file against your prospective landlord or rental agency.