Three Things You Should Know before Signing a Lease

Long before you ever start school, it is important to take a trip and search for LA Tech housing. When you are looking for a place to live, make sure you take the time to find out important rental policies before you make a commitment to a particular apartment. You have the right to screen your housing for good policies. Following are three areas to check before signing a lease:

·         Policies regarding rent, deposits, and fees

·         Process for reporting and handling complaints

·         Policies regarding cats, dogs, or other pets

Rent, Deposits, and Fees

Paying rent sounds like a straight-up situation. However, there are many details that can affect your rent. For instance, some complexes will give a discount if you pay rent for an entire semester or an entire year. If you want to take advantage of a situation like this, make sure you find out what happens if you decide to move early. You might forfeit your rent, or you might be subject to a hefty breakage-of-contract fee. If you are paying your rent on a monthly basis, be sure to learn whether or not they have a grace period, what late fees they will charge, and how the late fees will be calculated.

Deposits are also handled differently from apartment to apartment. You can expect to pay a security deposit, but the amount that is refundable will vary. Some landlords will charge a flat fee to clean the carpets, blinds, and furniture. Other landlords base the refund solely on the condition of the apartment when you move.

Handling Complaints

The nature of living in an apartment means that you will have to deal with many other individuals’ lifestyles. Most of the time, there is no issue. But sometimes, neighbors and roommates can cause problems. Ask the landlords what types of problems they get involved with, how to register complaints, and what their policies are for resolving the complaints.

Cats, Dogs, or Other Pets

If you have a pet, you will need to find LA Tech housing that accepts pets. Be sure you completely understand their pet policies before you sign the lease. If you bring a pet into the apartment without authorization, you could be breaking your contract and be charged a breakage-of-contract fee.

This is a guest post offered to Gags, Chuckles and Giggles for its readers.