Moving In

Bare Essentials

Your landlord may require you to provide personal or credit references before you move in.

Carefully inspect the place with your landlord. You may also want a second witness along. Housing Inventory Checklist to determine the condition of the unit. Make a list of existing damages and ask the landlord to repair them PRIOR to signing a lease or rental agreement. If the landlord will not agree to the inspection, or will not sign the inspection form, you should do the following:

  • Inspect premises.
  • Have another person accompany as a witness (they must live somewhere other than the unit).
  • Make a written report.
  • Date it (notarizing it will clearly fix the date).
  • Take pictures, if you can, of any damage (initial and date pictures on back).
  • Send notice of your inspection results to the landlord.
  • Keep this evidence in a safe place.
  • Know the whereabouts of the person inspecting with you in case they need to act as your witness in court.

Get everything in writing, and keep a copy for your records. This will help you legally in settling claims for any damages assessed when you are ready to move out. If your landlord agrees to make additional improvements, be sure to get his/her promises in writing.

Ask yourself these questions first:

  • What is the average price of rent that you can afford?
  • Do utilities have to be included?
  • Are you willing to sign a lease? If so, how long?
  • Do you need parking? Can you pay for parking?
  • Do you want furnished or unfurnished housing?

What to ask your potential new landlord:

Two key words: Ask and Look. Don't assume, guess, or ignore.

Most Basic: Visit the unit during the day and nigh so you get a feel for the environment. Make sure that the unit is up to code. If a certain place looks good, run it through the checklist to make sure it's up to par. Also, if you decide you are going to rent the place, complete the Housing Inventory Checklist so you won't be stuck paying for pre-existing damages.

Vitals

Ask questions of the landlord, manager, or whoever is showing the unit:

  • Who is the landlord? Where do they live? Is there a live-in manager?
  • How much is the rent?
  • Are utilities included? (WSG, Heat, Electricity, Internet, etc.)
  • What types of deposits and fees are required, and how much are they? How much of the fee(s) are refundable? If it's called a 'deposit' it's all refundable.
  • Is subletting permissible?
  • When is the rent due? Is the late-payment penalty?
  • Is a credit check required?
  • Ask the former renters (if possible) why they are leaving and how they felt about the landlord.
  • Are there penalties for breaking the lease?
  • Is the lease negotiable? Does it convert to 'month to month'?
  • Is there a limit on the number of people in apartment or house?
  • Are pets allowed?

Amenities

If the unit still looks appealing, begin to think about day to day conveniences that will affect your lifestyle. Some considerations are:

  • Bus lines and other transportation options, e.g., feasible for bikes?
  • Parking availability and security.
  • Parking garage security.
  • Water pressure / water heater size.
  • Laundry or cooking facilities.
  • Proximity to grocery store and other services.
  • Safety - is there a Neighborhood Watch Program?
  • Are the other tenants students? Are they generally quiet? Are there children in the building/unit? Pets?
  • Closet/extra storage space, if you need it?
  • Privacy from neighbors and other tenants?
  • Garbage and recycle pick-up schedule?
  • Is it TV cable and computer ready (DSL/Cable)?
  • Is it within pizza delivery area?
  • If it's a house, who's responsible for yard upkeep?
  • Are there set rules of conduct or specified quiet hours?

Try to think of questions and situations BEFORE you sign anything. Otherwise, you could get stuck.

Your landlord may require you to provide personal or credit references before you move in.

We highly recommend you take your lease to Student Legal Services for review prior to signing.

Inspection Time

Before committing yourself to a lease, the following items should be checked when you conduct a walk-through with the landlord. Also, if you decide you are going to rent the place, complete a Housing Inventory Checklist, so you won't be stuck paying for pre-existing damages. This form is available in the OCHA office and online here.

Inside:

  • Do all the appliances work?
  • Are the locks on the entrance of the building and on the door to the unit in reasonable condition?
  • Check the taps for the hot water and water pressure. Are the drains clogged?
  • Are the sinks and bath-tub cracked or leaking? Check for water damage.
  • Are there enough electrical outlets for all your appliances?
  • Is the unit heated with gas or with electricity?
  • Where are the fire exits located? Make sure there is a smoke detector in your apartment and hallway.

Outside:

  • Make sure to check the outdoor lighting to ensure the street is well lit.
  • Is there a solid deadbolt on the front door?
  • Are all the windows intact?
  • Check the location of the nearest fire extinguisher.