What to Ask Before Signing a Lease

Signing an apartment or house lease can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never signed one before. Many of the confusing, legal terms are included to protect the property owner. If you find yourself renting an apartment or house and signing a lease, the following pointers will help you.

Instructions

1. Make sure you know the full amount due at the time of signing the lease. Besides the first month’s rent, you may need to pay the application fee and for a background check. You‘ll be asked to pay an apartment deposit, normally equivalent to one month's rent, and a pet deposit if applicable.

2. Understand the duration of the lease. Lease terms can range from 6 to 18 months.

3. Find out if there's a reletting fee in case you need to move out unexpectedly. Paying a reletting fee allows you to move out before the end of the lease term.

4. Inquire about when rent is due and whether there's a grace period.

5. Ask whether the rent amount includes the washer and dryer. Some companies make the washer and dryer available for an additional monthly fee.

6. Ensure that you can get telephone, cable, Internet and electric service through any company of your choice. Some apartment managers have contracts with specific companies and you have to get your services through them.

7. Ask whether the prospective apartment has ever been used a methamphetamine lab. Reports show that when a property is used as a meth lab, toxic chemicals remain on the walls and carpet, even after cleanup and remodeling.

Tips & Warnings

• If you still have questions, ask to take the lease home and read it carefully.

Resources

• What to Ask Before You Sign a Lease
• Cleaning up Former Methamphetamine Labs