TIP OF THE MONTH - September 2014
Signing a Rental Agreement
Source: Paul Bernstein-Prairielaw.com
First, be certain
that you completely inspect the apartment and the building of which it
is a part before signing a lease or putting down a deposit on the
apartment.
#1 Turn on the hot water faucets in the sinks, bathtubs, showers to
make certain the water is hot and that the flow of water appears
adequate. Ask about the size of the hot water heater (tank) and
how many persons can take a shower of reasonable length each morning
and still have enough hot water. (Crossett R.E. tip: is your apartment the only apartment using the hot water heater?)
Does the toilet flush properly?
If it is summer-time, does the air conditioning work? How cold is
the air that blows in? How strong is the force of the cold air
coming into the apartment?
If it is winter, does the heat seem adequate? Do you have your
ownheat controls in your apartment? Is there heating in each and
every room? (Crossett R.E. tip: is the furnace only heating your apartment?)
Do you have access to the electrical controls in case a fuse or circuit breaker malfunctions? (Crossett R.E. tip: is your apartment the only one on the meter?)
Do you see signs of insects or rodents? Does the apartment need
repairs? Talk to a few of your possible new neighbors and ask
them about their apartments and how the building owners/managers treat
their tenants.