Prevent Problems in Renting

Division Of Student Affairs; Western Michigan University

Before You Rent:

• Check all listings available.

• Be sure you can handle the cost. Energy and utilities are going up. Garbage and snow removal are hidden costs. Pets often cause damage.

• Think about location. Consider transportation, parking, safety and shopping.

• Read your rental agreement completely. Any questions--discuss with roommates and landlord.

• Get changes in writing! Verbal promises sound good, but written documents provide proof of the promises.

• Use an Inventory Inspection Form. Landlord must give you one, you must fill it out and return it.

• Choose roommates carefully! Talk about expectations openly before you move in.

• Use a roommate contract. Spell out individual cost of rent, percentages of utilities, cleaning tasks, noise and visitor agreements. This is especially important when the lease doesn't cover it.

While You Are Renting:

• Pay your rent by check - on time too! Keep all receipts.

• Show respect for neighbors - keep noise level down.

• Treat landlord's property with ownership care.

• Don't abuse your parking privileges.

• Make all maintenance requests in writing. Be specific about when to fix and how to enter your unit.

• Report any damages to landlord immediately.

• A lease is a legally binding contract. If you want to leave early, talk to your landlord to find out the procedure and consequences.

• Before subletting read the brochure on subletting to learn about your rights and responsibilities.

• Don't wait to deal with problems. At the first sign of conflict with roommates or landlord, GET HELP!

BEFORE YOU MOVE OUT

• Give your landlord 30 days written Notice of Intent to Vacate. Keep a copy for your records.

• Familiarize yourself with the termination provisions of your agreement, then follow them!

• Read security deposit rules (Michigan Public Act 348) outlined in Security Deposit brochure.

• Arrange a mutual clean-up time. Clean up everything well, leave nothing behind--ask landlord his expectations.

• Insist upon landlord inspection showing ending condition on written form.

• Return Keys. Until you do, you still have possession and you may be charged for rent.

• Leave a written forwarding address within four days of moving out--keep a copy for your records.

• Wait 30 days for security deposit. Landlord has that much time to return the full deposit, or send a Notice of Damages.