RENT

How much is monthly rent?

How many people may live here?

What is the rental time period?

Is there a fee or other sanction for late payments?

May each roommate pay his/her part of the rent with separate checks?

If a roommate leaves during the lease, who's responsible for paying that share of the rent?

May I sublet or assign my lease?

DO I PAY FOR...

heat (electric, gas, or oil), water/sewer, hot water, parking (what about guest parking?), air conditioning, garbage collection, repairs of any kind (if so, why?), pets (are they allowed?), or cable TV?

FACILITIES

Is the apartment furnished?

Does it come with a stove, refrigerator , drapes, and curtains?

Is there a fire extinguisher?

Is a laundry available on the premises?

If not, where is the closest laundromat?

Do you have a secure locking device that operates only from inside the apartment on all doors?

Do you change the locks between tenants? Is there a charge for keys?

May I install a dead-bolt lock or other locking device?

Do you have a peephole in solid doors that lets the tenant see who is at the door before opening it?

If I lose my key and want either another key or the lock changed, is there a charge?

APPLYING FOR A LEASE

Do I have to submit an application?

Is a fee required? What happens to that money?

Does submitting an application commit me to sign a lease?

Can you give me a copy of the lease at this time?

How much is the security deposit?

What must I do to have my security deposit returned in full?

LEASE OBLIGATIONS

Who is the landlord and/or the landlord's property manager?

What are their addresses?

Will the lease be written or oral?

What rules and regulations must I follow upon signing the lease?

How much notice is needed to renew or terminate the lease?

What fee, if any, is charged for early termination?

Does the lease contain escalator clauses that could cause my rent to increase during the lease period?

Is notice required to terminate or renew the lease, or will it automatically renew for another year?

PARKING

How many parking spaces are provided per apartment?

How do I get a parking space? Is there a fee?

If I pay for parking, is it assigned?

What if someone parks in my space or the lot is full?

Where can my guests park?

NEIGHBORHOOD

Is a grocery store in walking distance?

What about public transportation?

Do you provide a bus pass or shuttle service?

What are the hours of bus service to and from town/campus/shopping?

REPAIRS

How do I notify you of emergency repairs during the work day, on weekends, and after office hours?

Do you have an on-site maintenance staff to handle normal repair requests?

How soon after my request will repairs be made?

MISCELLANEOUS

Does the lease restrict visitors?

Do I need to purchase renter's insurance, or do you provide it?

Will someone help me complete the damage report when I move in or out?

How much time is allowed to report damage that was not initially apparent?

Do I have to let someone in if doing so is inconvenient?

If I am not renewing my lease, will I have to allow people in to see my apartment? How about if I am renewing?

How much advance notice will I receive before your staff comes to make repairs or conduct an inspection?

Who are the other tenants in the building/apartment complex? Will we be compatible? Are building quiet hours imposed? How are they enforced?

What is the earliest I may move in?

FINAL TIPS

Get receipts for all payments, and keep copies of all correspondence between you and your landlord/property manager.