There’s no shortage of prospective renters seeking their dream apartment. But even if you find it, renting apartment properties or duplex/condo rental units is a significant life decision requiring careful consideration.
When a property owner or management company shows you various places to live, it’s easy to get excited about finding the perfect location and potentially rush into committing to a lease term. But it’s important to take your time and be methodical before signing a lease agreement.
Before you commit to an apartment rental term with your new potential landlord, there are several important things to consider.
This helpful guide covers the essential steps to take before signing an apartment lease and embarking on the lease signing process. We’ll also reveal how SelfStorage.com can help avoid the pressure to sign and ease your transition into your new home.
Inspect the Property for Damages
Not only is it crucial to inspect the property for damages before signing an apartment lease, but you should also note any property damage and broken appliances.
While major damage may deter you from wanting to live on the property, even minor damages should be recorded.
Walk through the apartment with the prospective landlord or property manager and take pictures or videos of any damage you see. Make sure the landlord or property manager acknowledges the damage and documents it in writing.
Inspecting the property for damages can help you avoid being held responsible for any pre-existing damage when you move out, and may even score you some rent deductions for damages.
Ask What’s Included in Your Rental Agreement
Find out exactly what your monthly rent payments include before committing to your rental lease. Ask for an itemized breakdown of your monthly rent before signing the rental agreement, so you have it all in writing.
For example, does your rent include extra charges for the cost of utilities, parking, or any amenities like a gym or pool? Are there any additional fees you’ll be responsible for, such as monthly pet rent or parking fees?
Do all the monthly rent prices include renters’ insurance? And if not, will the apartment complex have any renters’ insurance requirements, meaning you’ll have to get renters’ insurance on your own?
Ensure you understand what you’re paying for in your rental payments, so you can take advantage of the amenities, decide if their worth the price you’re paying, and avoid any surprises later on.
Understand All the Lease Terms
Whether you’re signing a short-term lease or a longer, 12-month lease, know all the active lease terms you’re agreeing to before you sign anything.
Lease agreements can be complex, so it’s important to read and understand the lease provisions, including renewal options and acceptable payment methods, before signing. We’d hate for you to organize your entire apartment exactly how you like it and then have to relocate three months later.
Make sure you understand the amount of time the entire lease covers, the rent price, and any late rent fees or penalties that may be charged as consequences of lease violations.
You’ll also want to confirm the rent due date before starting the lease signing process. Some apartment lease agreements give you until the 3rd or the 5th to pay rent, while other lease agreement types consider anything after the 1st a late payment.
If there is anything you don’t understand, ask the landlord or property manager for clarification. It’s their job to help you work through this!
Make a Checklist of Considerations Before Signing An Apartment Lease
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of finding a new apartment. But as a general rule of thumb, we suggest making an apartment moving checklist of considerations before signing an apartment lease and paying months of rent.
This is especially true for a first-time renter who hasn’t been through the lease signing process and is unsure of acceptable conditions.
These considerations include:
- Approximate rent you’re willing to pay
- Location/criminal activity
- Commuting distance and transportation
- Local amenities
- Parking availability
- If you need to be allowed to host overnight guests
- School districts
- Access to washer/dryer via shared laundry room or individual unit laundry machines
- Upstairs or ground level
Make sure you prioritize what’s important to you and use your checklist to evaluate each apartment you visit. Sticking to your checklist can help guide the way.
Check the Entire Property for Common Red Flags
There are several red flags to watch out for before signing a binding document like an apartment lease.
For example, if the landlord, property owner, or property manager is unwilling to document existing damage or is hesitant to answer questions about the lease agreement, it may be a sign of future problems.
Additionally, if the apartment is in disrepair, has a lot of noise or smells, or the building itself is in dangerous conditions, these may be signs that it’s not a good fit for you.
Check the appliance filters and the filters on any air conditioning units to see if they’ve been cleaned or changed. This is a good indicator of whether the apartment complex’s management keeps up with routine maintenance.
Also, don’t be afraid to talk to the other people living in the complex. Have a quick chat with them as you tour the entire property, and ask them if they like living there. If there are any major red flags, the current tenants would know them better than anyone.
What Do You Need to Bring to the Lease Signing Process?
When you find an apartment and a current lease that work for you, the time finally comes to sign. Make sure you have all the necessary legal documents and payment of rent for the first and sometimes last months of your lease.
In some cases, the last months rent qualifies as your security deposit. In others, you may need additional deposits.
Here’s a quick list of what you should bring to the rental property for the lease signing process:
- Driver’s License, Photo ID
- Proof of Employment/Proof of Renter’s Monthly Income
- Pet Deposit (If Applicable)
- Apartment Security Deposit
- Credit history/Credit Report (If Required)
Check with the landlord or property manager to make sure you have everything you need before the lease signing.
How SelfStorage.com Can Help You Transition to Your New Home
When signing an apartment lease, it’s important to take your time and carefully evaluate your options. You likely have to give your current landlord advance notice within a minimum notice period of 30-60 days before lease end.
Once you give them that reasonable notice and let them know you’re moving out, you may feel pressure to sign the first lease that comes along. But you don’t want that pressure to result in binding yourself to legal requirements you can’t meet.
So, how do you leave your old place behind without needing to rush into an unfair binding contract? Don’t worry, SelfStorage.com is here to help.
Our SelfStorage.com search tool helps you find the best deals on storage facilities in your area. You can use our website to find a storage deal, store your stuff for cheap, and stay with a friend or family member until you find an apartment that meets your standards.
Are some your belongings sensitive to extreme temperatures? We can help you find storage units with climate control. Worried about leaving your valuables unattended? We’ll improve your search results for storage facilities with security features like cameras and coded entry gates.
We’ve got the largest marketplace for storage out there. Our website lets you compare the most storage options nationwide. Simply insert your zip code, and we’ll compare and contrast all of your area’s most reputable storage facilities.
Our convenient listings will outline all the features and benefits, allowing you to pick the best solution for your apartment’s storage needs.
