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Tricks for Signing an Apartment Lease

Lease-ups

This may be the first or twelfth apartment lease you're just about to sign but before you affix your reputation on the lease, do you know what's in that lease?

A flat lease is a vital legal document that could protect you together with the dog owner from the lot of conflict-related grief - should you prepare yourself prior to signing the lease.


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The Cardinal Rule

A cardinal rule in apartment lease signing is this: browse the lease carefully before enrolling and signing it. Even if your apartment-leasing market is red hot, don't rush to sign a lease if something doesn't feel right.

 

Reading the lease document means reading the fine print, too. Consider having an attorney, friend, or family member evaluate the document at the same time.

 

One resource that will help you evaluate whether something inside the lease might violate your tenant rights is found in the Department of Housing and Urban Development's website (hud.gov and look under Tenant Rights). This great site offers a state-by-state report on tenant rights.

 

What's in Those Clauses?

Together with reading the normal and fine print, you should pay attention to what's inside the clauses of the rental agreement. Consider some of these possible inclusions:

• Electrical for, or requirement of landlord/manager notification should you host guests who stay for just two or higher days.
• Sublet terms.
• An argument that you are accountable for price of repairs.
• Relation to exiting a lease ahead of term.
• Terms with an automatic lease renewal.

Understand it written

When looking at a rental lease, continue with the dictum, "Get it written." For instance, when the landlord has promised a repair will be performed before (or right after) you move in, obtain it on paper.

Your lease should explain clearly:

• All required deposits/fees.
• Rent amount and deadline.
• Penalty terms for overdue payment.
• Expenses that are taught in landlord (utilities, HOA fees, etc.).
• Customization (paint, hanging pictures, etc.).
• Pet policy (and then any pet deposit or additional cost to monthly rent).

Before You Sign...

Despite the excitement of, "You've got the apartment!" there still are some things to usually prior to signing that lease.

First, perhaps you have asked and received acceptable answers to all your questions? If you see something vague or missing from the lease, take note of it and request for an updated version.

Next, walk-through the apartment one more time and absorb the tiny details. Examine the apartment for damage and take photos of whatever you notice. Report it, in writing along with pictorial documentation, to your landlord or property manager. You shouldn't have to pay for existing damages or any repairs associated with them.

As you do your walk-through, make sure to turn all faucets on and off, flush the bathroom .(s), and view that electrical outlets work. Could you safely and simply open all doors, drawers, cabinets, and windows? Perhaps there is an upsetting odor? This stuff may sound silly, but problems are not always obvious to the eye, ear, or nose.

When to Vanish

Your comfort, safety, and happiness are important and despite great efforts, you could arrived at the final outcome the apartment you happen to be just about to lease might not be the right choice in the end.

You may discover contractual surprises as part of your lease which were not mentioned during negotiations. Perhaps your walk through triggered a sense that something is "not quite right" regarding the apartment, building, neighborhood, or perhaps the landlord. And frequently a much better offer comes up and you feel you should take it.

In such cases, the most appropriate strategy is always to graciously thank your prospective landlord and disappear before you sign the lease.