5 Things People Forget to Do Before Signing a Lease Agreement

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5 Things People Forget to Do Before Signing a
Lease Agreement
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1. Take pictures of damage before you sign that
lease

• This is especially important if youll be moving
  into an apartment that still has someone living
  in it when you sign that lease. Look for major
  cracks, holes, or blemishes on walls and tile,
  wood, or concrete floors. Check for holes or
  stains on any carpeting. If kitchen appliances
  are included, make sure they are all functioning.
  Even if the damage doesnt bother you personally,
  snap a picture of it and hold on to it youll be
  glad you did when it comes time for you to move
  out and get your security deposit back.

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2. Ask for utility averages

• Start by asking the landlord what the average
  costs for electric, water, sewage, etc., during
  different parts of the year are. If you know any
  of your future neighbors, let them know youre
  thinking about moving in and ask if theyd mind
  telling you what their average costs are.
  Finally, you can call the utility company to ask
  what the averages have been for a particular
  property.

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3. Ask what youll be allowed to do with the
place

• Even if you arent thinking about changing paint
  colors or light fixtures when youre just getting
  ready to move in, if you think you may want to
  sometime in the near or distant future, its
  important to know what youll be allowed to do.
  Ask, and be sure to get it in writing so that you
  wont accidently terminate your lease or lose
  your deposit.

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4. Get it in writing

• Youve probably heard this one a million times,
  but its also possibly the most important tip
  youll receive when youre moving into a new
  place. If youre bringing along a cat or dog,
  make sure to get your landlords permission or
  any costs associated with them in writing. As
  mentioned before, if youre planning on painting
  or making any other changes, make sure its in
  your lease. Whatever utilities youll be
  responsible for paying, and any those are
  included in your rent, should be in writing too.

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5. Think about other expenses that might come
with a particular property

• Living further from the center of the city might
  save you some on rent, but if you work downtown,
  consider costs like gas and parking, and the time
  itll take you to make your commute, versus a
  more expensive apartment downtown. If the
  apartment is older, or has a lot of windows,
  consider extra utility costs that will come with
  poor temperature regulation. Also, consider the
  area around the property. Nearby restaurants or
  bars can mean extra noise, but it also means
  youll have food and entertainment within walking
  distance!

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