Tips for first time renter

[300rwhp]

I am moving into a place and I was hoping people with experience could provide some helpful tips for things to watch out for in the lease contract?

I was thinking I should add to the contract that the garage is part of the rented property.

What else, thanks?

[Afrodeziak]

Take photo's of all appliances, carpets, etc for existing damage, therefore after the fact you can not be taken for your damage deposit.

[freshprince1]

be very very specific on any deficiencies you see during your initial walkthrough. Make sure you mention anything that looks like they could try to pin on you during a final walkthrough when you move out.

Open and close the windows, find out how they work. Ask for things to be fixed that need fixing.

[kenny]

Just remember that while you're looking out not to get screwed over by your landlord, he/she is doing the same thing with you and hoping you don't destroy their place.

As for tips, if you haven't done the walk through inspection yet download a sample inspection form online and go through it with your landlord. This way you wont forget to check certain things to ensure they are in proper working order. Get a list of contact numbers so you know who to call when shit breaks. If you are in a condo or apartment, get the emergency contact numbers as the building usually has a specific company to call for issues like plumbing.

Ensure you know your rights as a tenant:
http://www.landlordandtenant.org/splash.aspx

Inspection Form:
http://www.rentfaster.ca/assets/inspection.pdf

[sputnik]

Make sure you get tenants insurance.

[TheCheff]

Wow great posts from the people of beyond. Pretty much everything you need to know. Take pictures of everything. Test all the appliances on the walk through(our microwave and washer didnt work originally had to get them to repair). Make sure to get tenant insurance in case something unthinkable happens. Even little things like cracked tiles and discolored drapes make sure to mention every detail.

[masoncgy]

Yeah, to underscore what the others have said, make sure you do a thorough inspection of the place with the landlord, trying out everything to make sure it all works and to ensure things that do not work or are already damaged are noted on the walk through sheet.

So many landlords are totally useless when it comes to upkeep & maintenance, so do your due diligence so you aren't screwed out of your damage deposit, which is a favorite pastime of 'loser landlords'.

[Canucks3322]

One thing I recently learned...if you use the oven, clean it on a regular basis AND line the bottle with tin foil...it is a BITCH to clean when you move out!!!

[turbotrip]

Most important thing I can suggest is taking pictures of absolutely everything you can.

[r0g3r]

tenants insurance? how do I get that? I'll be renting soon also.

thanks for the info.

[ee2k]

If the place does not sound right when you do the walk through, back out. Check the walls to see how dirty they are, an indication of whether or not the guy before you was a smoker.

Also, something else that's important is to check the common areas in the building, if it is an apartment. Is it maintained/clean enough for your taste?

Water leaks (faucet), shower, crapper should also be looked at.

Finally, the windows - shut them and check that no air leaks through crack.

If any of the above are items you can live with until they get fixed, put it down on paper.

[sleepz]

www.rentyourview.com has some tips and renter's checklist if you want to check it out!

[pinoyhero]

Might seem like common sense, but actually read every doc, super important. You don't want to get clipped by some dumb small print clause.

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by r0g3r
tenants insurance? how do I get that? I'll be renting soon also.

thanks for the info.

Pretty much any insurance company or broker will provide tennant insurance. Basically, it's just insurance on the contents of the property. It's very cheap, and covers you for theft, fire etc. Some policiies also cover you for temporary accomodation in case the place you are renting bruns down etc.

[Speed_69]

Does anyone have a copy sample of a lease agreement?