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Renting an apartment
I'm renting an apartment for the first time and my agent said that I would be given a free one month rent, except for electricity. She said that I would be moving in the 26th, but I also know that it'll be next month later in 5 days. I have heard that rent is due at the beginning of every month....I have to pay a small fee for that "free month" so I don't want them to end up telling me that my second month's fee is due already, since it's really only been 5 days. Is it okay for me to talk to her about when the rent is due every month? It would make sense for rent to be due the 26th of the second month that I'm living there since the first month is free. What if she says that isn't? Also, I'm signing a 6 month lease for this apartment. I want to try it out first before I sign the rest of my year away. What are some things I should be aware of? I know to ask for break-ins, flexibility in terms of modification for the apartment, early termination consequences, late rent, and to check for mold, running warm and cold water as well as heater and ac. If I sign a 6 month lease is management allowed to change rent every month or is that just for "rental agreement"?
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Some of these one month free apartment renting deals can be very complicated and not what it seems. For example, I helped a friend move into a place where the deal said one month free. However thats not how it went. Their deal in the contract was "the equivalent of the first months rent of $800. is going to be taken off the amount of regular rent for the next 6 months. After 6mos it goes back to regular rate of $800." What they advertised was rent and told her in the leasing office was entirely misleading, just to get another renter. The ad said first month free. Monthly rent is $666. per month. They just leave off the part about that being only for 6 months and that $133.00 a month had been taken off of first 6 months. There was no mention of what the regular rate was $800. which her tight budget could not afford. So ask a lot of question. They will not volunteer any information. But they will not lie if you ask tons of questions. They are happy to let you assume what you think the deal is by what little information they have provided. The rental contracts can be confusing to read...all that small print. So ask your questions in simple terms to make sure you understand.
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Ask all the questions you need to ask to assure yourself that you understand the terms of your lease and what the leasing agent is telling you. This is your money and your new home you are discussing. You need to be satisfied and nothing should be left unasked. If you have a question ask it.
Read your lease carefully and make sure you understand the terms of the lease. In most leases the rent is fixed for the term of the lease. There can be a clause allowing the rent to be increased monthly for short term leases so read the lease to make sure what the terms are.
Do not depend on the leasing agent to tell you how safe the neighborhood or the apartment complex is. It is the agents job to rent units, so call or go to the police station and ask them. They will tell you how many break-ins or other calls they answer at that complex.
The other things you mentioned are all good things to look for and be concerned about. One other thing you can discuss and negotiate into your lease is an escalator for the rent increase not to exceed should you sign for another six months or and entire year.
Make sure you get a signed copy of the lease for your records. Keep it in a safe place. A small records box kept in your closet or under the bed is a very good idea to purchase if you do not have one.
Welcome to you first apartment.
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