How to Read Over Your Apartment Lease
There is no feeling like signing a lease and being able to live in your first apartment. While this is an exciting experience, it’s important that you know about all the details of your lease before you sign it, and what to ask before you rent if you’re not sure of something. As you read over your lease, try to keep the suggestions below in mind.
Who Signs the Lease
You, along with any of your roommates plus your landlord, will sign the lease. Before signing, that you and every other resident within your unit is properly listed as a tenant. If one of your roommates leaves a few months down the line, you can talk with your landlord to get a new lease put in place. If you have children, they do not need to sign the lease as they are not paying tenants. Tenants who don’t sign the lease are not obligated to pay rent.
Ensure All The Information Matches Up
When you are reading the lease over, make sure the following information is correct:
- Payment per month
- Security deposit
- Property Manager’s name, address, email, and phone number
- Name of Property
- Names of Tenants are spelt correctly
You should also review your credit score to make sure it’s in good condition.
Who Handles Maintenance?
Your lease will also tell you who is responsible for what types of repairs. Ensure that you completely understand who is responsible. Once you’re signed, all you need to do to submit a maintenance request is to visit your Community Resident page and click on “Service Requests.”
What Utilities and Amenities Are Covered?
Some utilities are included with your rent, while others will be paid for separately. Take time to figure out which utilities have separate payments. This is important if you want to save some money in the long run.
Check For the Pet Policy
If you have a pet, make sure you read over the lease to ensure that your community is pet-friendly. Even though your community may allow pets, there might be additional fees or security deposits. Some communities may also only allow pets under a certain size, or be cat-only. Ensure that this information is clear before signing.
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