Checking Out the Apartment:

Before signing the lease, visit the (exact--not "model") property and look at specific areas.

Consider the following:

• Ask about noise, bugs and mice, building security and repairs
  
  
• Contact Housing Inspection Services at 356-5137 to inquire if the property has had any previous housing code violations
  
  
• Rental property file information is available online. 
  
  
• Go to the Online Services list in the menu bar on the right hand side of the screen. 
• Enter the address of the apartment to look up permit and complaint reports.
  
  
• Speak to former tenants about the property/landlord/maintenance

Remember to check the following:

• Safety and security: locks, peephole, door bell, fire escapes, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers.  Ask about changed locks and returned keys from former tenants.
  
  
• Location: close to school, work, transportation, etc
  
  
• Appliances are in good working order
  
  
• Electrical outlets: two outlets in each bedroom is required by the City Code
  
  
• Sufficient storage
  
  
• Water pressure and heat
  
  
• Noise levels from neighbors, the street, etc.  Visit at different times of the day to get a feel for the place.

And remember, if your landlord agrees to make changes to the property before you move in, get it in writing!

Not all leases are the same.  READ THEM ALL CAREFULLY!

Look for the following information and clauses in your lease:

• Name, address, and telephone numbers of property owner and landlord
  
  
• Name, address, and telephone number of the owner's legal agent and maintenance personnel.  Landlords are required by law to have local maintenance contact.
  
  
• Description of premises as it should be when you move in, including address.
  
  
• The exact beginning AND ending dates of the lease
  
  
• Rent: the specific dollar amount and exactly when, how and where it is to be paid.
  
  
• Late fees
• Multiple check fees
  
  
• Security deposit amount: must NOT exceed two month's rent
  
  
• Legal Occupancy Limits and Use of Habitable Space Clauses: state the maximum number of persons who can live in a dwelling or dwelling unit and prohibit the use of certain rooms for sleeping.
  
  
• Alteration guidelines: painting, shelving, hanging pictures
  
  
• Repairs and maintenance: lease should explain what the landlord is responsible for repairing
  
  
• Utilities: who is responsible for what
  
  
• Subleasing: property owner must consent before any agreement to sublease is made
  
  
• Re-leasing: the landlord may or may not allow you to leave before the lease expires
  
  
• Rules and regulations: pets, smoking, general rules, etc
  
  
• Entry: when and under what conditions landlord may enter your property
  
  
• Joint and several liability: each person on the lease is responsible for rent and other lease terms.  Be sure your other roommates sign the lease before they move in.
  
  
• Rent escalation clause: the few circumstances in which the property owner may legally raise the rent

 

NEVER sign a leasing agreement that is incomplete or that you do not understand.

DO NOT leave the leasing office without receiving your copy of the leasing agreement.

Contact student renters who know at Tenant Landlord Association for further questions regarding leases.