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Aptsforrent
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Before you check out
apartments for rent - here's some useful
information you should know....
Renters
Insurance
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Moving
Into Your First Apartment
Know All The Costs
By: Dan The Roommate Man Ross
When you move in to a new apartment, the landlord may charge you
more than the first month's rent. Before you sign the lease, make sure
you understand exactly what you're going to be charged, and get it in
writing.
Security Deposit: This is mini-landlord insurance. The deposit is
equivalent to about one to two month's rent and can cover anything from
a broken window to stained carpet. At the end of your lease, the
landlord will conduct an inspection and see whether or not he or she
needs to use any of the money on anything damaged beyond the normal
"wear and tear" during your stay. |
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State law may only use the security
deposit for three purposes: unpaid rent, damages and for cleaning stains
or any excessively dirty area. The landlord cannot use it to repaint the
apartment to make it look more inviting for the next tenants. (That's
illegal). |
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Cleaning Fee: Since landlords
cannot legally use your security deposit for basic cleaning purposes,
some of them choose to include a cleaning fee in your lease.
Last Month of Rent: Some landlords ask for the last month's rent
in advance. This way, if you break your lease without first consulting
your landlord, he or she has 30 days to find a new tenant before he or
she needs another rent payment. If you're a good tenant, and don't break
your lease, then you'll save yourself the trouble of having to worry
about getting together your last month of rent. (This can be really
helpful when you have to deal with all the costs of moving out!) Unlike
the security deposit, this charge is non-refundable.
Pet Deposit: This, too, is a form of mini-landlord insurance
typically running somewhere around $300.00. The pet deposit is used to
cover any wear and tear caused by your pets. Some landlords also ask for
a 'pet fee' once a month ($20-$50) to cover the cost and inconvenience
of the lovely pooper-scooping duties. Renter's Insurance: You aren't
required to get insurance, but it is HIGHLY recommended. It's incredibly
easy for an unusual character to walk through the complex unnoticed. New
people are in and out of apartments all the time, so you don't have the
same security that a homeowner does. With that in mind, you ought to
invest in Renter's Insurance as protection against theft, water damage
and fire.
Parking: You might not always catch that prime parking space, and
depending on where your apartment complex is, this could mean parking on
the street. If you're living in the arts district in Downtown Dallas,
you might need to feed the parking meter monster or pay for a secured
parking lot. Keep this in mind when you yearn for that artsy loft.
Some states put a limit on the deposits a landlord can ask for.
For example, in California the deposits cannot add up to more than
two-month's rent. Check out the landlord/tenant laws to get the scoop on
your state's restrictions.
Regardless of how many of the deposits and fees the landlord asks you
for, make sure these are all outlined in the lease. If they are not,
make a list of all of the charges, when they were paid, then date it and
have the landlord sign it with you. Keep one copy of this list and give
one to your landlord to avoid any problems in the future. |
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Aptsforrent
| Apartment Rental Costs | Apartmentsforrent | RENTFIND
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