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The best way to win over a prospective
landlord is to be prepared. Bringing the following information when
you meet prospective landlords will give you a competitive edge over
other applicants: a completed rental application; written references
from landlords and employers; friends and colleagues, and picture ID
and your Social Security card.
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Carefully review all the important
conditions of the tenancy before you sign on the dotted line. Your
lease or rental agreement may contain a provision that you find
unacceptable.
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To avoid disputes or misunderstandings with
your landlord, get it in writing. Keep copies of any correspondence
and follow up an oral agreement with a letter, setting out your
understanding.
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Protect your privacy rights. One of the most
common and emotion-filled misunderstandings arises over a landlord's
right to enter a rental unit and a tenant's right to be left alone, If
you understand your privacy rights, for example, the amount of notice
your landlord must provide before entering--it will be easier to
protect them. Note: If you call for a repair, understand that is
going to be necessary to enter your unit.
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Know your rights to live in a habitable
rental unit--and don't give them up. Landlords are required to offer
their tenants livable premises including adequate weatherproofing;
heat, water and electricity; and clean, sanitary and structurally safe
premises.
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Keep communication open with your landlord.
If there's a problem--for example, if there is an item that is not
working or in need of a small repair, tell the landlord before it
turns into a huge costly repair that can take a longer period of time
to fix.
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Purchase renters' insurance to cover your
valuables. Your landlord's insurance policy will not cover your
losses. Renters' insurance typically costs $350 a year for a $50,000
policy that covers loss due to theft or damage caused by other people
or natural disasters. Protect yourself!
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Make sure the security deposit refund
procedures are spelled out in your lease or rental agreement. To
protect yourself and avoid any misunderstandings, make sure your lease
or rental agreement is clear on the use and refund of security
deposits, including allowable deductions. There are usually written
guidelines on how to have your security deposit returned without
delay.
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Learn whether your building and neighborhood
are safe. Contact the law enforcement agency and ask about crime
statistics in that area.
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Be a good tenant! To avoid problems,
always follow the provisions of the lease. For example, if your
lease indicates no pets, that means NO pets,
If it is not human, it IS a pet.
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