Choose a safe,
well-maintained apartment with a reputable landlord. Find
out if the landlord has ever been cited for any building
code or fire code violations. You can call the Code
Enforcement Office at 355-3465. If a formal complaint has
been filed against the landlord, the information will be
on file at the county clerks office. You may want to look
for another landlord or apartment if there are violations.
Read everything
before you sign any documents or a lease.
Complete an inventory
of the rental before you sign your lease. Negotiate
repairs and improvements before signing.
Visit a number of
potential rentals.
Check out safety
issues, parking, access to transportation, locations of
stores and laundry facilities.
Don’t let yourself be
rushed into anything; take your time and ask lots of
questions.
Keep a copy of all
agreements, contracts and your credit report in a safe
place.
Get everything in
writing. Verbal agreements are very difficult to verify.
Make sure your rental agreement includes all promises made
by the landlord.
Research your rights
and responsibilities as a renter.
Be a good neighbor.
Introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Let them know
if you are going to have a gathering and be sensitive to
their lifestyle and needs.
Be safe. Call 911 in
case of any emergencies.
