Signing a lease without reading it carefully
No matter how frenzied the market is, don’t rush into a rental agreement if something doesn’t feel right.
Once you finally find the perfect apartment, it can be tempting to sign on the dotted line as soon as the landlord hands you the lease. Don’t. Signing a legal agreement you haven’t read is a recipe for disaster. While you may be able to get out of a bad lease, doing so can be a big hassle and may come with financial penalties.
“A landlord may try to rush you into signing a lease. He / she may say that all leases are ‘standard’ and that you shouldn’t bother reading it … Don’t let a landlord intimidate you or stop you from reading the lease.â€
When reading your lease, it’s especially important to make note of the length of the lease, when the rent is due (don’t assume it’s the first of the month), penalties for late payment, the amount of the security deposit, rules about subleasing, and who pays for which utilities. While many landlords use standard leases, watch out for additions or special clauses, such as restrictions on the number of overnight guests or types of pets you can have.
Not investigating the neighbourhood or building
One of the most irritating discoveries of the tenants who have just moved in a wonderful home is an unpleasant neighborhood. If you don’t want… say, loud trains to suddenly interrupt your sleep, just wander around the place you’d like to rent. It would be great, if you could check it at night, too. You can also knock on your future neighbours’ doors and ask them about the area. It will not only help you avoid a possible dissatisfaction, but also get acquainted with nice people and discover amazing amenities! Get to know if there is a beautiful park or a good social connection in close proximity.
Making a verbal contract
If you’ve found a nice place and the landlord liked you, try to keep calm, although you are eager to move in. To prevent both of you from misunderstanding, get the contract in writing. If the landlord promises you to fix a leaking tap or replace a a worn cabinet soon, write it down as well. Doing so, you will be able to remind him/her what you’ve agreed upon. A verbal contract may be too hard to prove, especially if the landlord is not likely to keep promises.
Not taking pictures when you first move in
Almost everyone has a digital camera or cell phone these days and should use it to document the state of the property at move-in time. You’ll also want to note pre-existing damage on the landlord’s move-in checklist. If the landlord doesn’t have one, make your own list and send it to the landlord, signed and dated. And before signing a lease, get in writing any major repairs the landlord has promised to make.
Not understanding your right as a tenant
Landlords are free to impose certain restrictions on what happens on their property, though their specific rights vary independently. Depending on where you live, your landlord may be allowed to restrict certain breeds of dogs from the apartment complex, prohibit smoking in common areas or within the apartment itself, or prohibit guns on the property, among other things.