Renter Protection

[homealone]

One thing that I have learned is that a contract when your renting an apartment or house is your best bet to make sure that you are protected. Contracts of protect not only you but the landlord as well so any time that you rent a place make sure that there is a contract.

Also you have got to make sure that the contract is detailed. I mean it should state when rent is due, things that you are allowed to do as well as things that you are not allowed to do.

There should also be a section regarding damages or existing problems and such. If anything changes during the period of you renting then the contract should be amended right away to show the changes.

This sounds like a lot of crap to go through to just rent a home, however if something were to happen, it is nice to have a detailed contract that you can look to, to make sure that everything is taken care of.

Not all landlords are assholes, but there are some who are and those are the ones that you need to make sure that your protected from.

[DynoFlip]

Well put homealone, always check everything before you sign on the dotted line.

When I was younger and rented apartments or trailers (back in the late '70's) I didn't bother too much about reading the agreement because the owner or manager told me what it says, so I would just sign it.
And they were usually nice about most things since I was a good tenant, like not charge me the full down payment if the stove was dirty when I moved out (like most places will do these days).

Not today my friends, it's a whole different ball game. Please read all the documents they put in front of you before signing them and don't let them rush you.
Before any type of signing is to take place, always check the apartment, trailer, or home and take note of anything out of place if you do decide to rent.
If they say they don't have a copy machine, tell them you know where one is and you can wait (be sure you do know where one is).

I've been taken before after buying a home, it can be the same way for renting as well.

[homealone]

Thousands of people just simple take a person's word and just sign. That is a big mistake because there could be things in any kind of contract that could cause you trouble later down the road.

If you have the contract and don't understand what your reading then seek out assistance from family, friends or even a lawyer so that they can read it and break it all down for you so that you know exactly what your signing. Also knowing what is in the contract allows you to know what isn't in the contract. There could be things that you want specifically listed in a contract that isn't there and should be there.

Never just sign but read carefully. Contracts are made to help make sure that things between a renter and landlord go more smoothly. They help to protect everyone involved.

I once rented an apartment and there were no contracts. Rather than just accept this fact I asked the owner to draw up a contract for the apartment that I wanted to rent. He really didn't want to but after telling him the reasons why I wanted a contract he agreed. He also then spoke to his other tenants about a contract and now he and his renters all have contracts and everything worked out smoothly.

[troubles74]

I know what you mean,I got into a house one time with no rental agreement and let me tell you there was nothing but problems that never got resolved byt he land lord.

I could not afford to move again and the land lord would not fix nothing.There were outlets that did not work.Plumbing that was leaking under the house.The roof leaked and on top of all of that.

The stove quit working and he refused to replace it,so we had to go without until we could afford to get one ourselves.So make sure that everything is in writing so you do not get burned.

[homealone]

Let me say this, there are a whole lot of asshole landlords out there in this world. However every now and then you will find those who are just the opposite.

There are actual landlords who give a shit about their rentals as well as those living in them. I must say that these ones are a bit hard to find because those who are renting from them tend to stick around and don't move out.

I just wanted to make sure everyone knew that not all landlords are worthless, there are some who are really great.