Apartment Rental Checklist Before You Sign

These are the key points to confirm before renting an apartment so you can prevent disputes.

• Deposit and first/last month rent terms
• Which utilities are included (water, electricity, internet)
• Parking options and extra costs
• In-unit vs shared laundry
• Lease length, renewal, and early-termination terms

Newcomers with limited credit may be asked for a cosigner or a larger deposit. Do a move-in walk-through and photograph any existing damage to avoid deposit disputes when you move out.