Moving In – Part III

By E-Renter Tenant Screening
Posted on February 1, 2007 under Landlord Tips | icon: commentBe the First to Comment

Signing a Rental Agreement
Everyone should be aware of their legal rights, while moving in to new rental premises, including that the length of a lease determines some of your basic rights as a tenant. Depending on state laws, an unwritten month-to-month tenancy can be terminated, with as little as 20 days’ notice. However, a written lease guarantees a place to stay for a specific period of time, anywhere from 6-months to a year, or longer.

Tenants are advised not to sign any lease that makes them give up their rights under state landlord-tenants laws or local tenant ordinances. Before, putting their signature on any lease, they should go over it carefully with a fine-tooth comb, reading and understanding every single word of it. In case, of doubts, fire the questions about anything that does not make sense. No matter, what a landlord says, it is best not to sign a lease that contains clauses and stipulations, a tenant does not agree with.

The security that is deposited with the landlord is meant to cover any damage to the rental property, and is generally refundable. There are some states that will permit a landlord to apply the security deposit toward unpaid rent, if a tenant breaks his / her lease.

Tenants should ensure they receive receipts for rental payments to ensure there are no disputes later on, over whether rent has been fully paid up or not.

Tenants should also be prepared to pay for the credit and reference checks required by many landlords before agreeing to rent out their property.

Holding Deposits are legal in some states, where landlords are allowed to charge a deposit, in order to reserve an apartment for a tenant, who cannot move in immediately. If, this is permissible in your state, do find out whether it is refundable, in the event you change your mind about renting the apartment.

Most leases permit tenants to sub-let, only if the landlord finds the sub-tenant suitable and approves it in writing.

In case, the rental property needs repairs, which the landlord promises will be carried out, before you move in, get the promises in writing, and as a part of the rental agreement.

If, you have a pet dog, cat or bird, make sure the lease is not a NO PETS ALLOWED lease.

Moving Day
Take a tour of the place with the landlord and make a detailed checklist of anything that is not in perfect condition. Get your landlord’s signature on it, as an accurate representation of your apartment’s condition. A sample checklist can be obtained from the State Attorney General’s office or local tenants’ union.

Better still; take pictures of areas where there is damage of any sort.

Following these simple steps will help make life as a tenant, a whole lot easier.

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