Getting approved
Expect to hand over a photo ID, your Social Security number for a credit check, and proof of income such as two recent pay stubs or an offer letter. Most landlords want gross income of about three times the rent. With no credit history you will likely need a guarantor, who signs to pay if you do not, or a larger deposit where state law allows one. Application fees of $30 to $75 per adult are rarely refunded, so apply only to places you would actually take.
Never pay a deposit for a unit you have not walked through, and never pay by wire, gift card or payment app to someone you have not met. Real listings copied at a suspiciously low rent are the most common rental scam.
The clauses that cost money
- The renewal clause tells you whether the lease ends, converts to month-to-month or renews automatically unless you give notice, often 30 to 60 days ahead.
- The late fee clause states the due date, any grace period and the fee, which some states cap.
- The early termination clause states what breaking the lease costs, commonly two months of rent or the rent owed until a new tenant is found.
- The joint and several liability clause means each roommate owes the entire rent, so a roommate who leaves makes the whole rent your problem.
- The entry clause states how much notice the landlord gives before coming in, typically 24 hours.
Anything the agent promises out loud, such as new carpet, a parking space or a waived pet fee, has to be written into the lease or an addendum before you sign.
The deposit
State law sets the maximum security deposit and the deadline for returning it, usually 14 to 45 days after you move out. A landlord may deduct for unpaid rent and for damage, but not for normal wear such as faded paint or worn carpet, and deductions usually must be itemized. Your state attorney general or housing agency publishes a free tenant handbook with the exact numbers.
Move-in day evidence
Before furniture arrives, film a slow walk through every room, open every cabinet, and run every faucet, burner and window. Note each stain, chip and scratch on the landlord's condition form, and email the photos to the landlord that day so a dated record exists on both sides.
Tip Ask a current tenant or a neighbor about noise, pests, heat and how fast repairs happen. Ten minutes in the hallway tells you more than the tour.
