{"id":67366,"date":"2019-12-09T16:17:07","date_gmt":"2019-12-10T00:17:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?page_id=67366"},"modified":"2020-02-11T09:16:24","modified_gmt":"2020-02-11T17:16:24","slug":"what-you-need-to-know-before-signing-your-first-lease","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/what-you-need-to-know-before-signing-your-first-lease\/","title":{"rendered":"What You Need to Know Before Signing Your First Lease"},"content":{"rendered":"

Signing your first lease can represent a big moment – the first time you’ve moved out of your childhood home, graduation from college, return from overseas, and more. For that reason and others, it’s nothing to shrug off, and there are many different aspects to consider. To make sure that your first rental goes as smoothly as possible, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got all the bases covered. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up a team of experts and asked them to contribute their best tips for new tenants signing their first lease. Whether you’re in Houston<\/a> or Providence<\/a>, here’s what the experts have to say about signing your first lease!<\/p>\n

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Make sure you are signing with a reputable management company that genuinely wants you to be happy in your new home.\u00a0 Also, one that allows you to pay your rent and submit maintenance requests online.<\/em> Jason Conroy, RTI Properties<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Mike Dunfee Group has helped assist many people through the process of securing their first lease.\u00a0 New tenants are often so excited to start the new chapter in their lives that they forget to think about what it will conclude. For those that have roommates, or are part of a domestic relationship, first-time tenants need to think about what happens if a roommate needs to move out early or if the domestic relationship ends.\u00a0 You can\u2019t just move and forget your legal responsibility with the lease.\u00a0 There is often not an easy solution, so first-time tenants need to be aware of what they are getting into as they are making a legal commitment.<\/em><\/p>\n

First time tenants need to be aware of the condition of the property when they move in and make sure to make record and report any defects the property may have when they take possession even if they do not expect the landlord to make the repair.\u00a0 That way the tenant is not responsible for paying for damage that was not their fault.\u00a0 What may not seem like a big deal when you move in all happy and excited, it could be a source of major frustration when it is time to move on.<\/em> Mike Dunfee, Mike Dunfee Group<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Finding an apartment can be an exciting time and you may be in a rush to get into a new apartment. Don’t rush the process. Your lease agreement is your governing document between landlord and tenant. Make sure to fully read and understand what your lease requires before you sign it. Do not hesitate to ask questions about the lease before signing as once the lease is signed, you’re bound to it.<\/em> John Sacks-Wilner, Property Management Redefined, LLC<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

When signing a lease for your first rental (or for any subsequent rental for that matter), it’s important to recognize that your landlord – and his or her specific approach to managing the rental – will have a major impact on your time in that property.\u00a0\u00a0The concern with DIY landlords (especially newbies) is that while almost all are well-meaning, many have a hard time separating emotion from business, and lack the bird’s eye view required to plan for long term concerns like capital improvement (which results in all sorts of tenant inconveniences like mildewed caulking, leaking roofs, or worse).\u00a0 A rental managed by a reputable management company is best, as professional management companies are familiar with not only the laws (so they won’t ask you to comply with illegal terms), but also are familiar with best practices to help keep qualified tenants happy to stay long term<\/em>. Christopher Barrow, Broker\/Owner, Foundation Homes Property Management<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n