By MyNewPlace Guest Blogger, Ron Leshnower – About.com’s Apartment Living Expert
Understanding your lease and paying your rent are two essential aspects of apartment living, and so it’s no surprise that many apartment hunters and renters alike have questions about both topics. When these questions go unanswered, however, problems often arise that could lead to charges or even put your tenancy at risk.
Fortunately, you can get the answers to fundamental questions just by taking a moment to read up on the basics.
When it comes to apartment leases, it’s important to know the answers to the following:
What will I have to pay when I sign my lease? Who else might need to sign my lease? Do I even need a lease? Should I agree to a lease term of one year or two? What if I think a lease requirement is unfair? What happens if I need to break my lease?
Also, on top of concerns you may have for affording your rent, there are issues relating to the mechanics of making your monthly payments that you should be aware of. Do you know the answers to the following questions?:
Is paying rent in cash always a bad idea? Is it better to pay rent by credit card or check? What’s the best way to get my payment to the landlord? When and how do you prorate rent? What if my roommates don’t pay their share of the rent? Who should get my rent if I’m subletting?
Get the answers to these questions and more by checking out these new resources on apartment lease basics and rent payment basics.
Have questions for Ron? Let us know in the comment section and we’ll pass them along!
Very good post. It is especially helpful to those who are new to their area, or at least those in an apartment for the first time.