Home	Who Are We	What To Know	Our Neighborhood	Peer Assistance Leaders

Before You Lease

Here are a few suggestions on what to check before you sign that least: (printable pdf version)

• Check the furnace, plumbing and any appliances that come with the apartment.
• Are there enough electrical outlets and lights?
• Is the wiring adequate to handle several appliances?
• Are storm windows, screens and shades provided?
• Are the floors solid, without holes or splinters?
• Are the walls and ceilings painted, papered and without cracks?
• Are the doors, windows and entrances to the building secured?
• Are the stairs safe and well lit?
• Are the fire escapes easily accessible?
• Are there fire alarms and/or sprinklers?
• Are there at least two means of egress from the second floor and above?
• Is the apartment quiet or can you hear those next to, above or below you?
• Is there evidence of rodents or insects?
• Who pays for an exterminator?
• Ask others in the building about any negative aspects of living there.
• Ask previous occupants about aspects of living there.
• If the apartment is furnished, check for, record and save a list of all defects in the furniture.
• What is the cost of any utilities you may be responsible for paying? You may want to ask others in the building or previous tenants rather than accepting a landlord’s estimates.
• Is the apartment currently rented out to someone else or is being offered to someone else?
• Have all of your potential roommates read the lease?
• How safe is the area?
• Make and keep a list of all existing damages or repairs that need to be made.
• Keep a copy of the list of existing damages or repairs and then give one to your landlord and attach a copy to the lease if you sign one.
• If possible, the list of damages should be signed and dated by the landlord.
• When you move out, such records will assure that your security deposit will only be applied to damages for which you are responsible.

Signing a Lease

A lease is an oral or written contract between a landlord and a tenant. Your best protection is a written lease signed by both parties. Make sure your lease contains:

• The specific address, including apartment number, of the property.
• The lease must contain an adequate description of the property.
• The length of the lease.
• An explanation of the rent payment procedure, including late penalties and rent increases.
• A list of any utilities you are responsible for paying.
• Termination or renewal terms.
• The amount of security deposit.
• Who will be responsible for the taxes on the property?
• The correct name and address of the party to whom rent shall be paid.
• Whether you as the tenant are waiving or limiting any notice requirements before the landlord can evict you.
• What repairs you will be responsible for.
• What you will be responsible for when you move out i.e., cleaning carpets, painting, etc.
• Whether there are any limitations and/or restrictions upon what you can do with the property, i.e. having pets, noise, certain appliances, etc.
• Whether the landlord is reserving any part of the property for his or her use.
• When and under what circumstances the landlord may enter your premises.
• The name, phone number and complete address for the party you should contact for repairs or problems with the property.
• A listing of all the tenants for the property.
• What will happen if one of your roommates leaves?
• The name, complete address and phone number of the landlord.
• Who will be responsible for the upkeep and damage to the common areas?
• Who will be responsible for injuries suffered by persons who use the common areas of the property?
• Who will provide insurance to cover injuries that are suffered in the common areas?