A lease you can live with
Click the actions that you think would be a positive before entering into an apartment lease. For details, click on Library. Try to raise the bar to 100%.
Raise your score with careful choices
A good start
Another good choice and you're past halfway
Gaining ground
Almost there...
We're impressed!
If there’s anything you don’t understand, don’t sign; take it home and think it over.
;
Ask the landlord if your roommates can co-sign the lease, making them equally responsible.
;
If utilities won't be covered by your rent, don’t include them in your monthly spending plan.
;
Ask someone familiar with leases to help you understand the “lawyer language.”
;
Avoid a written lease if you can. Make a “handshake” deal with the landlord instead.
;
If you have roommates, never let them read the lease.
;
See how much notice is needed before moving out and the penalty if you break your lease.
;
If the rent’s affordable now, don’t worry how often the landlord’s allowed to increase it.
;
Interested in becoming a homeowner? See the topic Buying a Home in the Hands on Banking Adults course. Click the Next button to continue.