Renting

Apartment hunting and choosing a new home 

When shopping for apartments, you'll want to consider many aspects before you fill out a rental application. Be sure you see the exact unit or rental property that you would be renting — not a model. In your walk-through, be sure you take note of these things before you commit.

• Location
  Take time to consider where you want to live during your apartment search. Living close to places you frequent can save money on gasoline and time in traffic.
• Safety features
  SAsk if the locks on the doors and sliding doors will be changed prior to move-in and ensure the smoke detectors, as well as carbon monoxide detectors, are operational. Remember that there are things you can do to improve your home's security, even if you don't have an alarm system.
• Evidence of pests
  Look inside cabinets and drawers for any evidence of pests. Droppings or small holes can indicate a problem.
• First floor vs. upper floor
  Living on the first floor may be convenient, but it may put you at a greater risk for break-ins.
• Unit location
  If the apartment is right by the pool, elevator or party room, ask about the noise levels and their posted hours.
• Working appliances
  Turn on the oven and stove. Use the ice maker and start the dishwasher.
• Water pressure and temperature
  Turn on the faucets to ensure there is enough pressure. Start up a hot shower to see how long it takes to heat up.
• Leaks
  Check around the sinks and toilet area for signs of water leaks. Look for discoloration or puckering on the floors.
• Utilities
  Check the unit's past utility bills for an unusually high utility bill. A top-floor apartment or an apartment with large windows that face the east or west will get more sun, boosting your electricity in the summer but possibly reducing it in the winter.
• Pet-friendly 
  If you have a four-legged companion, make sure the rental property you're looking at is pet-friendly, and find out how much they ask for a pet deposit. 

If you have concerns regarding any of these issues, report them right away to the building manager or property management, and consider choosing another apartment complex. It's also important to take into account application fees, sublet options and monthly rent. 

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Knowing your rights

As a renter, you have certain rights. Review these helpful hints (and your lease terms) so you know exactly what you can expect from the property manager.

• Ask for a walkthrough of the exact unit that you will be renting.
• Make a list of repairs needed prior to your moving in, such as broken appliances. List any defects, such as chips in the walls and carpet stains.
• Send these lists to your landlord and keep a copy for yourself. This will give you written proof that these damages were pre-existing.
• The landlord is obligated to provide you with certain things in working order and must make the major repairs so that the unit is livable.
• Certain repairs may be your responsibility. That's why it's always a good idea to read the lease carefully.

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Getting your deposit back

If you've ever lived in an apartment home, then you know it's common to provide a security deposit to the leasing office to cover unpaid rent or clean-up after you’re gone. However, you can only be charged for items not covered under “general wear and tear.” Typically, a leasing agent must provide an itemized deduction of how your security deposit was spent OR return your money in full, within 14-30 days.

Here’s what you can do to help get your deposit back and keep your apartment in good condition:

• Document any existing damage during your first apartment walk-through. Take photographs. If you have a cellphone, you probably have a camera built-in.
• Give 30|60|90 day notice before moving out. Check your lease agreement for the exact time needed to give notice to your leasing agent.
• Clean the apartment thoroughly.
• Scrub the oven
• Be present when the landlord reviews the apartment. Confirm any repair or cleaning expectations and get it in writing.
• Document your cleaning and repair work.
• Give the leasing agent your forwarding address to mail your deposit check.

Here is a list of items NOT covered under general wear and tear:

• Stains and burns on the carpet.
• Broken windows.
• Broken or missing blinds.
• Broken light fixtures.
• Gouges in the doors and walls.
• Flea infestation caused by your pet.
• Pet scratches on the molding and on/around doors.
• Water damage.

Source: http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/get-security-deposit-back-29695.html

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