What are my rights as a Renter?

Yes, you do have rights and they include the following:

• Your new home must meet be safe and clean to live in. It must meet state and local building codes, housing codes, health requirements, zoning ordinances, etc.
• The appliances must work. Check the refrigerator, stove and garbage disposal if so equipped.
• The heat and air conditioning must work.
• The toilets and hot water heater must work. Run water to see if it gets hot. Flush the toilets for pressure.
• The door locks must work.
• The roof cannot leak. Look for stains on ceilings, inside closets and around the floors.
• The windows must work - they cannot be sealed shut, or inoperable.
• Outside pathways and porches must have working lights.

Read before you sign your name!

Many landlords will require you to sign a lease for a specific length of time. Before you sign the lease, please read the document carefully. Make certain the following items are correct on the lease:

• The beginning date on which the lease takes effect
• The expiration date on which the lease will no longer be in effect
• The correct rental price
• Information about the return of your security deposit
• Reasons ("Grounds") for which your leased agreement can be terminated
• Penalty for moving out of your apartment before the lease expiration date