Educating Prospective Tenants

While doing research for an article I'm working on, I discovered this submission on Articlesbase.  While it's all straight-forward, common sense stuff to anyone in the business or for experienced renters, it does a pretty good job spelling out the process and expectations to someone who's renting on their own for the first time or someone who might be overwhelmed with the process for whatever reason.  

Sometimes, we assume prospective tenants know everything involved, but sometimes they don't.  I thought this was a good reminder that making sure our customers understand the process is an important part of customer service.

- Luke

Lease Rental Forms Are A Complete Rental Agreement

If you are looking to rent an apartment, be prepared to complete a rental agreement form.  While these forms are lengthy, they leave no question concerning the responsibilities of both the renter and the landlord.  Both the landlord and renter will know what to expect when entering the lease. 

You’ll likely complete the lease rental forms at a property management leasing office. A lease rental form will always ask for your personal information.  This information will most likely include your name, current address, phone numbers, and emergency contacts.  Make sure you take your driver’s license and social security card with you. Expect the landlord to make copies of both of these documents.  These copies will be kept in your file along with the lease rental forms.   

You will also want to have a copy of at least two recent pay stubs.  The landlord will probably conduct a credit check as well. A landlord wants to know that you have the means to make rent every month. If a landlord sees you have bad credit, you may have to have a co-signer sign the lease indicating they will ultimately be responsible for the monthly rent.  

Speaking of rent, a renter will know how much rent is due each month as indicated on the agreement.  The lease rental form will also let the renter know what day the rent is due and the charge for a late payment.  The agreement will stipulate the early termination, renewal and vacating policies of the property owner, too, that the tenant must abide by. 

Many renters love pets and want their pets to live with them.   This may or may not be allowed according to the lease rental form.  Specific weight requirements and pet deposits should be included to inform the renter of these policies. 

Renters are often asked to make a list of damages they see in the space during the first few days of possession.  It is important to be thorough while making this list as upon moving out the apartment the renter will be assessed by the landlord for any damages that aren’t reported during the initial days of ownership.  The renter will be responsible for any discrepancies in the lease rental forms.   

Renters are sometimes asked to pay utilities and other ancillary charges.  These charges could be internet, cable, or telephone.  Any charges the renter is expected to pay will be spelled out in the lease rental forms.   

The renter should keep the lease rental form in a safe place close at hand so it can be referenced if a question arises.  If a renter is unclear of the answer they should contact the management office.