Here's what you NEED to know BEFORE you rent:
You must know the implications of the lease your are signing. Your landlord is bound by law to disclose information about the rental property you are leasing, as well as information about their policies. These include whether there are any 'common area' expenses, if there is a shared utility meter and if so, how the expenses are calculated, if there are any building code violations, lead paint issues, and extra fees, such as credit checks or tenant screening fees. It is important that you ask questions about the landlord's rules and regulations, length of time in business, and that you get to know the person you will be dealing with hopefully for a long time. If you possibly can, visit with at lease two other current tenants and ask the following questions.

• What are the penalties for late rent?
• Why is the current tenant leaving?
• Are the rental property and grounds kept in good condition?
• Does the landlord respond quickly to repairs on the rental home?
• Does the heating/cooling work properly?
• Are there bug problems?
• Are there any crime/theft problems in the area?

Be sure to check out other issues, such as whether you should have tenant insurance for your rental home, whether you should consider a roommate to help pay the rent on your house or apartment, and what is involved in a tenant rental home credit check before you sign the lease contract.

Real Estate: Looking for a New Home?

Click on the link above if you want to see if purchasing an new home is right for you. Maybe you can get into a new home at a price you can afford. It is worth it to check it out...you might be pleasantly surprised!

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