A lease binds you to your landlord for a certain amount of time, usually one year. It includes financial specifics like rent payments, fees for late payments and one-time move-in costs.
It also covers roommate agreements and other aspects of apartment living, such as pets and subletting. But can you back out of an apartment lease before signing?
1. Read the Lease CarefullyYour lease is a binding legal document that sets out what is expected of you as a tenant. While some items in a lease may be negotiable, it is important to read it carefully and understand all of its terms.
If you're not sure about a clause in the lease, ask the landlord to clarify it. This is especially important when it comes to items such as the amount of rent, whether there are pet deposits and/or fees and the date on which the rent is due each month.
Also, check to see if your landlord requires any security deposit, and how much. Make sure you understand the rent amount and…