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What should I do before renting an apartment or house?

Check the apartment or house very carefully. When you are shown the place, test these things out:

• Make sure that the electric, gas and water services are all on and working.
• Turn on any lights, fans, and other electric fixtures that come with the place to make sure they work.
• Make sure the plumbing works: flush the toilets, turn on the water in the sinks, bathtubs and showers and make sure the water drains and does not leak all over the floor. 
• If the apartment comes with a stove, refrigerator or other appliances, make sure they work. 
• Turn on the heat and the air conditioning and make sure these systems work.
• Make sure the windows have screens.
• Make sure the doors and windows are not broken and lock properly.
• Make sure the windows open.
• Check out the bathroom and kitchen for leaks, insects, rats, other pests, or signs of them. 
• Check walls and ceilings for water stains or signs of leaks.
• Look for mold growth.

Ask other tenants whether they are happy with the building and the apartments they are renting there.

Check the neighborhood during the day and at night. Will you feel safe there? 

Find out who pays for utilities like electricity, gas and water. 

If you must pay these bills, ask if your apartment has separate meters for any utilities you pay for.

Ask about parking for tenants. 

It is very difficult to get a bad landlord to make repairs after you have moved in. You may want to look for another apartment. If you still want the apartment, you should:

• Make a list of problems and defects in the apartment. Try to get the landlord to sign your list. Take pictures of defects or needed repairs when you move in. These actions will help protect you when it is time to move out.
• If something is important to you, get it in writing. Don't count on your landlord just saying that he will make repairs (oral or verbal promise). If the apartment needs repairs ask the landlord to sign an agreement that he will make the repairs.

Get something to keep your records in. Keep these things in your file:

• Your lease or rental agreement.
• Security deposit receipt.
• List of things wrong with apartment.
• Rent receipts or canceled checks.
• Landlord's address and phone number.