Vee Freeman Real Estate Group

Leasing

What to expect when you're leasing a home or apartment.

Renter's Guide

1. Understand the Landlord-Tenant laws in your area. It's important to research the Landlord-Tenant laws to ensure that you, as the tenant, understand your rights and responsibilities.

2. Inspect the property. You should inspect the water system, air conditioning unit, locks for doors and windows, plumbing (make sure the toilets flush), and etc. Make sure to ask the realtor or landlord about house maintenance and when the house was last maintained. You don't want to rent a home with plumbing issues or heating problems during the winter.

3. Read your lease carefully. Your lease is a legal contract between you and the landlord for use of the landlord's property. A lease may contain extra clauses that aren't legally required by Landlord-Tenant laws, but the clauses are legally binding when the lease is signed by both parties. If you are concerned that your lease might be unfair to you (e.g. the landlord requiring you to have property inspections every week), you can seek legal counsel and retain an attorney specializing in Landlord-Tenant relations.

4. Inspect the property again. Once the lease is finalized and agreed upon by both the landlord and tenant, you can request to see the property again. When you're at the property, take photos and document any form of damage you see. If you see small holes in the walls caused by a wall-mounted television screen, take a photo and inform the landlord in writing. Your landlord may or may not fix the damage before you move in. However it's important to inform the landlord prior to moving into home, otherwise the landlord may accuse you of the damage and take money from your deposit to repair it.

5. Pay your rent on time. Once you move into your new home, you need to pay your rent on time. Rent can be paid with cash, checks, or electronic transfers. Paying in cash is not recommended because there's no paper trail to track your money. If you decide to pay in cash, make sure you ask for a receipt that documents the date and what the cash is for.

6. Make sure your landlord has been paid. When mailing a check to your landlord, make sure your landlord deposits the check. If your landlord hasn't deposited or cashed your check, inform your landlord that you've mailed the rent check. It's better to inform your landlord in writing, such as email or text message. You don't want your landlord to accuse you of failing to pay rent on time.

7. Establish a good relationship with you and your landlord. This doesn't mean that you need to be best friends with your landlord. However, you don't want your landlord to outright hate you. A disgruntled landlord can be difficult to deal with during the duration of your lease. Be kind and respectful to your landlord. If you want to go the extra mile, you can send greetings cards during the holidays. A happy landlord may respond quicker to any emergency repairs. If you only communicate with your landlord's property manager, then establish a good relationship with that property manager.

8. Document all communication between you and the landlord. Emails and text messages are good ways to document any correspondence. Even if you have a good relationship with your landlord, you should always take the necessary steps to protect yourself in case things get ugly. (And things can get ugly quickly.) Verbal promises are hard to prove in Court.

9. Get to know your neighbors. This may not seem like an important tip, but your neighbors can be valuable sources of information. Your neighbor probably knows the area well, and could recommend to you a good dentist, auto body shop, or local restaurant. Also, your neighbor may know your landlord and the previous tenants of the house. It could be important to learn about your landlord's history with tenants, especially if the landlord consistently fails to repair the property.

10. Contact your landlord if the property needs repairs. As a tenant, it is your responsibility to inform your landlord if something needs fixing in the home. If you fail to contact the landlord and the damage gets worse over time, you could be liable for some of the damage because you failed to notify the landlord.

11. Don't sneak pets onto the property without approval from your landlord. If you plan to adopt a dog or cat, you need to ask permission from your landlord. Many landlords do not allow animals to live on their property. Animals can case a lot of damage to a home.

12. Allow your landlord to perform inspections, but don't allow your landlord to harass you. Landlords are allowed to inspect their properties as long as the tenants are properly notified. However, these inspections must occur at reasonable times and frequencies. It could be considered harassment if a landlord visits your home every few days for "inspections."

13. If you're having problems with your landlord, retain an attorney to handle your landlord. Many disgruntled landlords will attempt to "bully" tenants by claiming that the landlord has ultimate power. However, tenants do have rights that landlords cannot violate. Even though lawyers are expensive, an attorney can protect your rights and ensure that your landlord does not take advantage of you. If money is an issue, there are tenant protection organizations that could help you.

14. Photograph the property before you leave. Take pictures of the rooms, appliances, backyard, and etc. It's important to visually document the condition of the property before you move out.

15. Try to leave on a good note. If you continue to rent in the future, your potential landlord may want to contact your previous landlord. You don't want to lose a good rental property because your old landlord said something bad about you.

First-time Renters

Make your first apartment living experience a great one. Follow these first-time renter tips so you can enjoy (and find your way through) all the aspects of being a renter!

TIP #1: BUDGET WISELY

Putting together an apartment budget can help you save up for your first apartment. Continuing your budget plans, even after you move in, is a great way to grow your savings for rent, utilities, home décor, and more.

You never want to spend more than you can realistically afford on rent for your first apartment. Spend no more than 30 percent of your gross income on rent. The 50/30/20 rule is another budgeting technique to follow, so you can save for the security deposit or first month’s rent.

Remember to include all of your monthly expenses, and make room for unexpected costs when creating a budget. Living with a roommate will allow you to split your bills, helping you save money and stay within budget.

TIP #2: DETERMINE YOUR NEEDS

While scouting for apartments, think about the checklist you made regarding your needs. You did make one, didn’t you? Your apartment needs are very different from your apartment wants. They’re your must-haves, the features that will make you the most comfortable at home.

If you don’t own a car, you’re going to need an apartment in walking distance of public transportation. Pet owners will need to find a pet-friendly community that’s accommodating to their furry friends.

What you prefer to have in your apartment or apartment community is considered a “want.” They’re on your wish list if you will, but you can live without them. Amenities like a swimming pool or chrome finishes typically fall within this area. Determine what your needs are first – and then be elated when your apartment comes with some of your apartment wants! It’s a great feeling when the universe works its magic for you.

TIP #3: TAKE A WALKING TOUR OF THE APARTMENT

Online apartment tours have definitely made it simple for renters to view new homes from afar. However, a good old-fashioned walking tour of the apartmentcan help you experience the neighborhood first-hand. Schedule a tour with an apartment community so you can get a sense of the layout, the community vibe, and how amenities are kept on a daily basis, from the trash collection area to the fitness center.

Ask questions when you’re on a tour with the property manager. What’s your policy on package and mail receiving for residents? When are the neighborhood quiet hours? These are great questions to ask. Be sure to come up with a list of questions based on what’s important to you.

TIP #4: KNOW WHAT UTILITIES ARE INCLUDED (AND WHICH ONES YOU NEED TO GET YOURSELF)

TIP #5: CONSIDER THE PARKING SITUATION FOR YOU AND GUESTS

Parking can sometimes be a hassle when you live in an urban area. Lots that fill up quickly and lack of space for overnight guests and visitors can be overwhelming without doing any due diligence as a first-time renter. Speak with your property manager about the parking situation at the apartment community. Below are some questions you should consider asking that’ll benefit you and your visiting friends and family:

How full does the parking lot get in the evenings?

Where do visitors park their cars?

If I have an overnight guest, will I need to get them a visitor’s pass for their vehicle?

Will I have my own assigned spot in the garage?

Many apartments close to the city have parking rules for their residents’ guests. Be sure you know the rules about visitors so that yours don’t accidentally take someone’s assigned spot! You don’t want to start off on the wrong foot with your neighbors, do you?

TIP #6: KNOW WHAT THE APPLICATION PROCESS INVOLVES

Renting an apartment for the very first time can be confusing. First-time renters generally don’t know all the jargon and rental lingo used in an application as well as how to apply for an apartment.

This “process” is actually pretty simple, generally involving filling out an application, a credit check, and paying a small application fee. The turnaround time for approval is quick. Today, renters can know if they’ve been approved in less than 48 hours – sometimes it can be within minutes!

New renters with no credit may need to have a guarantor there with them. This person will undergo a credit check since they’re the ones guaranteeing that rent will be paid on time. You’ll want someone who you can trust as a guarantor, and they may even be able to offer you some apartment living advice and ways to build credit!

TIPS #7: READ AND UNDERSTAND THE LEASE

Initialing here, signing there on a lease agreement will give you all the feels: joy, excitement, and maybe even a little nervousness too. It’s your first apartment on your own but while you may not be able to contain your feelings, don’t ever feel rushed into signing a lease.

Read the contract in its entirety and note the concerns that you see. If you and the property manager had agreed to something during the tour, see that it’s been written into the agreement. If not, they may not be legally required to hold up their end of the deal.

Understanding the apartment lease agreement is beneficial for you. Request a copy if you need to refer back to something. It will tell you when rent is due, what the late fees are, the pet policy, and how to submit a maintenance request, among other things.

TIP #8: GET RENTERS INSURANCE

You’re new to this, so let me help you out. You should get renters insurance because it protects your belongings from theft and fire! A renter’s insurance policy includes property coverage, personal liability coverage, and temporary housing if the original dwelling has been deemed uninhabitable. The benefits of renter’s insurance are great – get a policy! (Your apartment might require you to anyway.)

TIP #9: BEFRIEND YOUR NEIGHBORS

Befriending your neighbors is an excellent way to get the most out of your first apartment. Getting chummy with your neighbors can open up the lines of communication about having friends over later into the evening, so you can inform them about the noise ahead of time and avoid a passive-aggressive note on the door in the morning (but also be respectful of the quiet hours at your apartment). You’ll be more comfortable asking for neighborly favors, such as getting the mail when you’re out of town. If you ask for these favors, though, make sure you can return the favor!

TIP #10: WALK THROUGH THE APARTMENT

Once you have the apartment keys, your property manager will do a walkthrough with you. This will allow you to look through the home and take note of any issues you see, such as low water pressure or dings in the wall.

After you’ve done the walkthrough, you or your property manager will send the repair list to maintenance and they’ll come out and fix it. If you don’t do the walkthrough and damages are never submitted, you could be responsible for paying for the repairs at the end of your lease with your security deposit!

No need to worry – you’ve got this first-time renting thing. Living in your own apartment will be a great experience; it just comes with some additional responsibilities. That’s all. Once you start living in your new home, you’ll get the hang of it.