Everyone is guaranteed safe, healthy, livable housing. After asking the questions posed in this article, you can more easily spot the landlords who will fulfill that guarantee to you.

        Try not to be in too much of a hurry to move. If you allow yourself very little time to locate a suitable apartment, it is less likely that you will go through the proper steps to assure yourself of safe, healthy, habitable housing. You are in the best position to bargain before you have given a security deposit or have moved your belongings into a residence. Any major repairs should be completed by the landlord before you move or have given over your security deposit. Always get promises to make repairs by a certain date, in writing.

        The first step after you decide to move and figure out how much you can afford to pay as rent, is to find a safe, affordable, livable area to begin your housing search. Drive or walk around in different areas of the city to see which area you like best. Visit the area you may want to move to a couple of times and at different times of the day and night. This may alert you to any potential problems.

        Look at the houses in the neighborhood where you would like to live. Are they being kept up? Does it look like the people who live there care enough to keep things cleaned up? Talk to the local police. Ask them about the area you want to live in. Are there gangs? Are there drugs? Walk around the neighborhood and talk with residents. Ask them if there are any problems in the neighborhood.

        After selecting an area, it is then time to actually visit potential places to live. Call the landlord and set up an appointment to see any place you may consider living. Ask the landlord if the taxes and water bill are paid. Ask who must pay the utilities, water bill, and the garbage tax. Are pets allowed? Very carefully walk around the outer perimeter of the house. Expensive repairs that need to be made to the home you want to rent may divert money away from making interior repairs.

        Do you need basement access? Do you have a washer and dryer? Will they fit down the basement stairs? Are the stairs and railings in good shape? Examine the hot water tank. Look for signs of moisture. Check to see that every furnace is vented to the outside. If the tenant must pay for utilities, check to see that there are separate meters. No tenant should ever agree to share the gas, electric or water bills.

        When examining the living quarters, check all lights and light switches. Bring a bulb to put in the light sockets as needed to make sure the lights are working. Bring a small plug-in item, such as a clock radio or alarm clock. Plug it in electrical outlets to check to make sure it runs when plugged and that the outlets are working.

        Make sure the thermostat is working. Have someone turn it all the way up and have someone downstairs to make sure the furnace comes on. If there are missing switch covers or wall outlet covers ask when they will be replaced. Is there exposed electrical wiring? Make sure all the windows open and lock when closed. Check for cracked/broken windows. Make sure windows have screens and storm windows. Open and close all doors. All entry doors need a sturdy lock that works properly. Open and look very closely at all cabinets. Look for signs of roaches, mice or rats. Turn on all faucets full blast. Is the water pressure high? Are there any leaks from the faucets? Does the water smell badly or look brown?

        Check drainage from sinks to make sure the water drains properly and quickly. If the drain is slow it could be a sign of a clogged drain. Examine the drains under the sinks. Are there any signs of leaks? Turn on all showers and bathtubs. Is there good water pressure? Are there any leaks? Examine the heating registers and check to see that they are secured to the wall.

        Examine the paint and wallpaper. Is the paint in good shape? Ask about possible lead problems due to the paint. The paint should not be chipping or peeling. Any loose tiles or floorboards should be secured. Check for stained carpets, tears in linoleum and cracked or chipped tiles. If appliances come with the apartment, check to see that they work. All the burners should burn properly. The freezer should freeze properly. If the appliances are not working properly then write a note or checklist explaining what parts of the appliances were not working as of the date of your inspection.

        Open all doors, inspect all closet spaces. Examine the ceiling and walls for water spots. If you see signs of water damage, find out if there have been water leaks. Ask the landlord what has been done to correct the problem. Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, measure the biggest items you have and compare those measurements to the entrances of the residence. If your largest items will not fit through the doors, there is no need to continue looking at the apartment. If the apartment has a storage area or garage make sure it is cleaned out and the locks are secure.

        Some things to ask before you agree to rent the apartment: When will the apartment be available? Does the landlord require a security deposit? How much is the security deposit and when is it due? How much is the rent and when is it payable? Are there any late fees? Is there access to the garage or driveway? Is there a pet policy? Who can you contact for emergency repairs? Make sure you get the landlord’s full name, address and telephone number.

        Read the lease or rental agreement carefully before you sign it. Make sure you understand it. Once you sign the lease, you will be bound to its terms. If you do not understand any paragraph in the lease agreement the prospective landlord wants you to sign, contact Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. and we can review your lease for you.

• Keep copies of all correspondence to and from your landlord.
• Always get a receipt from your landlord when you pay your rent.
• Ask your landlord to put any changes in the terms of your tenancy in writing.

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