Your first lease

What to know

1. Get the full lease before you pay anything. USA.gov's first piece of advice is to read your lease so you know your rights and responsibilities. Source: USA.gov
2. Find the rent, the due date, the late fee, the deposit, and what you have to do to get the deposit back.
3. Find who handles repairs, and how you ask for one. Plan to ask in writing.
4. Find how to end the lease early and what it costs.
5. Ask for any changes in writing. Sign, and keep your own copy. On move-in day, photograph every room before you unpack.

If it doesn't work

• If the landlord won't fix something the lease says they must, put the request in writing and keep a copy. USA.gov points renters to their state's tenant rights resources and to legal aid. Source: USA.gov
• If you think you were treated differently because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability, you can file a fair housing complaint with HUD. Source: HUD
• If you don't understand a clause, ask what it means before you sign, and get the answer in writing.

Good to know