Top Ten Red Flags: Things to consider for before renting

1. Top Ten Red Flags: Things to consider for before renting Presented by Off-Campus Student Services WSC 203 offcampus@ups.edu

2. 1.) Is the Landlord on Time? • The behavior of the potential landlord at your first meeting is a precursor to how they will act in the future. If they are irresponsible in regards to your first meeting, they will probably be irresponsible during your tenancy.

3. 2.) Is there a lease already written that you can review? • Read things thoroughly before you sign them. Take a copy of the lease and look over it before you enter into a binding contract. (Off-Campus Student Services is more than willing to go through a lease with you!)

4. 3.)Do all the lights and water work? • Don’t be embarrassed about checking everything as you walk through the apartment or house. You’re going to be living there, and you deserve to have things working properly! So, flick all the lights on and off. Turn on all faucets and showers. Take note of how long it takes to get some hot water…(that will be important on cold Tacoma mornings)

5. 4.) What kind of heat is used? • There are many kinds of heat: gas, electric, oil, etc. It’s a good idea to know what kind the apartment uses because that will give you a good idea as to how much you’ll be paying for it. Also, make sure it works! When those winter months come around, you don’t want to be freezing to death.

6. 5.) Who pays utilities and how? • Ask the landlord how they want to work the payment of utilities. Sometimes they want the bill in your name, other times, it’s in theirs. If it’s in their name, ask to see a copy of the bill every month to ensure that they are not overcharging you. Don’t just take their word for it.

7. 6.) Are there any obvious damages that the landlord “promises” to fix? • It’s generally not a good idea to sign a lease if the unit has major damages. After you’ve signed it, there isn’t a lot of incentive for them to fix those damages. Make sure everything is in working order before you commit to a place that is potentially unlivable.

8. 7.) Know what’s involved with a credit check. • Your landlord has the right to do a credit check. However, it’s in your best interest to know what is involved with that. There are some things that a landlord can NOT ask you. Know what these things are, and be wary of a landlord that insists on knowing them. (These include things such as race, orientation, etc.)

9. 8.) Is it clean? • If the unit is not clean when the landlord is trying to lease it, then odds are, they aren’t going to keep it clean after that. Again, make sure the unit is livable before you commit yourself to it. You have a right to live in a decent space. • Also, know what is your responsibility to clean, and what is their responsibility to clean.

10. 9.) What is refundable? • Make sure that everyone involved is clear about what fees and deposits are refundable at the end of the leasing period. Credit history fees are usually not, but cleaning deposits usually are (but only if you keep it clean). Make sure you know what you’re supposed to be getting back.

11. 10.) Do the locks work? • It’s not safe to live in a place with a broken lock! Don’t be shy about checking all outside doors to make sure that they can’t be broken into. This is the law and it’s also a safety issue.

12. 11.) Ask about subletting agreements • Occasionally a landlord will not want you to sublet to a friend. It is important to ask what their requirements are for this circumstance. Every landlord is different and you don’t want to make them angry.

13. Remember: • Landlords are not bad people. Off-Campus Student Services just wants to make sure that you’re safe and going about leasing in the proper way. We’re here to help, so please come ask us any questions you have now, or in the future.

14. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Off-Campus Student Services WSC 203 X3374 offcampus@ups.edu Ask for Anne, Shelli, or Yoshiko