Renting a home can be difficult.You need to find a place in your price range, complete the application process, and then schedule to move in.You need to be aware of unethical landlords.To protect yourself, look for red flags and document your move-in.You can protect your legal rights at the same time, with a little planning.
Step 1: After signing a lease, pay a security deposit.
You may be asked to pay a security deposit or first month's rent before you have a lease in hand.You shouldn't do that.You have to pay after the lease is signed.You should meet the landlord when you see the property.If you can't visit in person, ask someone else to.If the home is far away, it's best to rent through a rental company or pay with a credit card.Do not wire money to pay your deposit or application fee.If you have been cheated, wired money is impossible to get back.A fee is charged to hold the rental during the application process.Multiple people pay in and end up losing the holding fees if the owner isn't actually holding the unit.If you don't think the deal is legit, you should insist that the fee be put in an escrow company until the owner turns over the keys or puts a security deposit in.
Step 2: Beware of landlords who are not present.
Pretending that the owner is not in the country is a common scam.The person is posing as the owner's agent or representative.It's always a good idea to be skeptical of anyone who claims to represent an absent landlord.If you want to find out the identity of the real owner, you should check with the county assessor's office.If a representative wrongly identifies the owner, don't work with them.Many scam artists know how to look up property owners in county records, so they may be able to give you the correct names.Make sure the person you are dealing with is a legitimate one.They need to provide proof that they are the legal representative.A scam artist will probably not provide documentation.
Step 3: Question any deal that is too good to be true.
You should research the market to find out how much houses and apartments cost.If a deal is too good to be true, then it is.A rental that is below the market is a red flag.It is advisable to see the property.It is cheap because it is in terrible condition.Do research about the landlord.You can find out if they have declared bankruptcy or are being sued.Ask if the landlord is going to be evicted.If the landlord seems nervous or evasive, pay attention.
Step 4: Analyze your communication with the landlord.
A landlord who only uses email should raise red flags.The person writes in broken English is a hallmark of real estate fraud.Many scam artists are located outside of the United States.The person is trying to frighten you.You should not be pressured into sending a deposit or signing a lease.There isn't a lot of personalization in the communication.The person might be using mail merge or autofill.They try to scam many people at once.
Step 5: Interview other tenants.
Asking a landlord for references from current and former tenants is always a good idea.It's important to get important information out of them.They might not have a lot of time to talk with you, but ask how long the property has been empty.There may be problems with a home that hasn't been rented in a while.How responsive is the landlord?Is the landlord having any problems with this tenant?How were they solved?Are they going to continue to rent from the landlord?How much does rent go up each year?Is it possible to negotiate rent increases?
Step 6: It is a good idea to research the property.
Before agreeing to rent from someone, you should do a lot of research on the property and landlord.If you search online, you can see if the home is listed under another owner's name.If it is, you may be getting ripped off.Check the recorder's office for a notice of default.The owner could be in foreclosure if one has been filed.Rent from someone who might lose the property is not something you want to do.
Step 7: If you see a rental scam, report it.
If you suspect fraud, you should gather as much documentation as possible.Rental fraud should be reported to the attorney general of your state.You can report the fraud by calling or email.Local law enforcement.The rental is located in the police department.The commission is called the Federal Trade Commission.You can report to the FTC in the US by using their Complaint Assistant.The website was where the advertisement ran.You can email or call a report button.
Step 8: Make sure to read the lease carefully.
Signing a lease if you don't read it is pointless.Carefully read the whole thing.If you don't understand something, ask the landlord.You don't need to read it in fifteen minutes as you sit in the office.Ask that the lease be sent to you at home.You will get some time to read through it.A friend or lawyer can help you understand it.If you can modify your apartment, you should check who pays for it.Your landlord might want you to get permission before painting the walls.When you agree with everything in the lease, sign it.You should keep a copy of your records.
Step 9: The apartment should be inspected thoroughly.
Before you move in, make sure to walk through the empty apartment and note any problems.When the apartment is bare, it should be easier to spot them.Dirt wear and tear holes in the wall, low water pressure in sinks, and the shower poor drainage appliances that don't work torn or soiled pads under the carpeting electrical outlets are some of the things to look for.
Step 10: Tell your landlord what's going on.
Inform your landlord about any problems you have with your furniture and belongings.Sometimes landlords will give you a list of things to look out for in the apartment.Some landlords won't give you a list.Even if you don't get a checklist, tell your landlord about any problems.They could argue that you damaged the apartment while living there.As possible, be as detailed as possible.Don't say "carpet damage", instead write down "Five cigarette burns on the southwest corner of living room carpet."
Step 11: Take pictures of the apartment.
Taking vivid pictures from many different angles of any problem is incredibly helpful.If you have a problem with water pressure, you can take a short video on your phone.Take pictures for your landlord.You can send the pictures with a written description of the problems.
Step 12: A move-in condition report is needed.
The tenant inspection report is the second most important document after the lease.The two of you acknowledged each other.You agree that the unit should be returned in a certain condition.headaches and disputes about damages can be avoided with this.You can check the laws of your province.They are mandatory in some places.Your landlord can't keep your deposit money without one.Tenants and landlords need to sign the move-in condition reports.If your landlord doesn't do a walk-through with you, do one.
Step 13: Buy renter's insurance.
In case of fire, theft, or natural disaster, renter's insurance will protect your belongings.If someone is injured in your home because of your carelessness, it can be protected.It is possible to get renter's insurance for a reasonable rate.You can get quotes from different insurers online.You should look at both the monthly premium and the level of coverage to compare policies.Use an online calculator if you don't know how much coverage you need.The calculator will ask you to enter your rent, possessions, and location.They estimate the amount of coverage you will need.Ask the insurer about potential discounts.If you buy renter's insurance with another policy, you could qualify for a discount.
Step 14: It's a good idea to study the safety of your surroundings.
If you're not familiar with the area, you should check how safe it is.deadbolts and window locks are required by law by your landlord.Criminals can enter and exit your building.Check that your landlord has provided all the required safety devices by getting copies of your local law.Write to them and ask if they are installed.Tell your landlord when safety equipment breaks.Inform your landlord if a door lock stops working.There are broken windows, burned-out lightbulbs, and malfunctioning security systems.
Step 15: Understand landlord-tenant law.
If there are any problems, you should be aware of your legal rights.You can either look for landlord-tenant law online or go to the government office.They may have something to read.You might be able to find a local tenant's association online.If your landlord doesn't make repairs, you will want to know what you can do.The states are different.Rent can be paid into the court in some states and not in others.Some states allow you to deduct the cost of repairs from your rent.Get the correct procedure before the event.Your landlord has a responsibility to keep the apartment clean.The law usually requires your landlord to provide heat during certain times of the year.
Step 16: Your lease should be kept safe.
The lease can be kept in a safety deposit box.You do not want it to be damaged.You can make a digital copy of the lease and keep it on your computer hard drive.
Step 17: Tell your landlord about what's going on.
You definitely want paper documentation that you have complained about, but it is always friendlier to call.Follow up with a letter in which you describe the problem in as much detail as possible if you talk in person.If you have already complained about the problem, you should include the dates of previous letters.You can write, "This letter is to follow up on my letter dated September 1, 2016..."Take pictures of the problem.If you have a problem with noise, you can use your smart phone to record it.Send the letter by certified mail if you want a return receipt.The receipt serves as proof that your landlord received the letter.Your landlord should be able to make repairs within a reasonable amount of time.It depends on the severity of the problem.If your landlord doesn't offer immediate help for a problem like no heat in winter, you might want to call the local authorities.You can wait up to two weeks for minor repairs.
Step 18: Building code violations should be reported to the authorities.
The building can be dangerous to live in.If your landlord doesn't provide enough hot water or heat, they are not following the building code.These problems can be reported to your local authorities.Health, safety, and fire inspectors can be found in the phone book.You may have to meet with the inspector.Before they leave, try to get a copy of the report.If you complained to the authorities about the building's safety, your landlord can't evict you.This is illegal and called a "retaliatory eviction".Even if there is a safety violation, a landlord may have the right to evict you if you fail to pay rent.Unless you agree to credit rent for the repairs, stay current with your rent.
Step 19: When there are problems, consult a lawyer.
When you have a conflict, seek legal help.If your landlord doesn't have a lawyer, you will be at a disadvantage.An experienced advocate is needed in your corner.Request a tenant's attorney from your local bar association.Whenever you have an issue, you meet with a lawyer.Ask the lawyer what your next steps should be.If the issue is complicated, you should hire a lawyer.If you can afford it, ask how much their fee is.Legal aid can be found if you are low income.The Legal Services Corporation has a website where you can find legal aid.
Step 20: You can learn about the eviction process.
Most states only allow you to be evicted by a court order.Your landlord must give you notice of any problems.The deadline for paying the rent should be in the notice.The landlord will take you to court if you don't pay.You will be given a chance to respond to the lawsuit.The landlord can not lock you out of your apartment.Don't be afraid to threaten you.Remove you with physical force.Cut off utilities such as heat, water, or electricity.Throw things away on the sidewalk.
Step 21: If you are evicted, call the police.
The police might not be able to help you.It is illegal to evict someone without a court hearing.You can tell the officer that the eviction is illegal.That is the reason I'm calling.You should keep calling until you get someone to come to your home.Find witnesses to the illegal eviction.If your landlord threw your things out of the apartment, you should get the name of your neighbor.