Affordability
	Types
	Evaluating Rentals
	Rights & Responsibilities

 

	Every destination has fashionable communities, but you may find rents are lower in less well-known areas
	Take a test drive at rush hour to determine commuting time and find out if bus transportation is available if you have school-aged children
	Consider the quality of the school system

 

	Maintenance fees
	Utilities
	Insurance
	Recreation fees
	Pet-owner fees
	Trash collection
	Water
	Sewer taxes

Rental Deposits

The deposit can be used by the landlord for the following:

	Cleaning deposit — For cleaning/painting the unit after you leave (usually not refundable)
	Damage deposit — Returned to you unless you caused unreasonable physical damage to the property or economic damage by failing to notify the landlord (in writing) about moving. Document (by writing and/or by photograph) any damage at the time you inspect the unit prior to occupation
	Security deposit — May be interchangeable with the damage deposit, but the lease may state that you have to live in the unit for a certain amount of time before it will be refunded
	Pet deposit — An additional deposit for any damages your pet might cause or for professional extermination after you leave
	Advance final month's rent — Your landlord may want you to prepay your final month's rent. Top

Advantages:	Disadvantages:
Lowest cost per square foot of living space No maintenance responsibilities No personal appliances needed (occasionally a refrigerator is required) Recreational/social activities are often available on-site	Lack of privacy Noisy Often no enclosed parking Very often, no pets are allowed Limited storage

Townhouses/Condominiums

Duplexes and fourplexes might be considered in this category. A complex may have as many as 40 or more units.

Advantages:	Disadvantages:
Yard space and garage Internal laundry capability More privacy than apartments More likely to allow pets	Appliances may be needed (washer/dryer/refrigerator) Usually cost more than apartment

Single Family Homes

Single family homes can range in size from two bedrooms with one bath to estate-sized mansions.

Advantages:	Disadvantages:
Privacy, yard space, and garages More likely to accept pets	Tenant usually responsible for yard maintenance Most expensive cost per square foot of living space Requires the most individual effort to find

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Evaluating A Rental

Use our Rental Selection Checklist to help you evaluate and compare rental units.

	Are appliances working? Will these be the same appliances when you rent?
	Ask who pays utilities: electricity, fuel oil, or gas for heat and hot water; water/sewer charges; cable television; etc.
	Ask about snow removal and yard maintenance, if applicable
	Make a list of all damages, and give a copy to the landlord (videotape the damages, if possible)
	Prior to signing the lease, clearly identify who is responsible for repair of damages and the timing for repairs.

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The landlord has the right to:

	Rent the property
	Collect rent
	Enter the unit (be sure you understand when and why)
	Evict a tenant for late rent payment or otherwise violating the lease

The landlord is responsible for:

	Complying with local housing/building codes
	Making repairs to keep the property habitable
	Keeping common areas clean and safe
	Maintaining all systems in safe, working condition
	Providing trash receptacles and trash removal
	Supplying water and heat, except where tenant has control over the heating system and pays the bill

A Renter's Rights and Responsibilities

	Normal, operating plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
	An overall safe environment in which to live

The tenant is responsible for:

	Paying rent and utility bills promptly
	Utilizing the unit as agreed to in the lease
	Keeping the unit clean and safe; disposing of trash; operating plumbing, heating, and electrical systems in the correct manner
	Reporting problems to the landlord immediately
	Communicating with the landlord in writing, and keeping a copy along with rent receipts
	Handling any maintenance, such as snow removal, as agreed to in the lease

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