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Introduction
Are You Financially
Ready to Rent?
1
2
The Ins & Outs
of Credit
3
How to Find the
Right Place
4
Handling the
Application Process
5
Understanding the
Lease Agreement
6
Getting Back Your
Security Deposit
8
Housekeeping,
Maintenance
& Repairs
7
Life as a Renter:
Rights &
Responsibilities
9
The Right Way to
Terminate the Lease
Resources
7
7. Read before you sign.
It’s important to read and understand
all documents before signing them,
including the initial application,
authorization forms and the lease
agreement. Disclosures are equally
important. Ask questions, get
clarification and seek assistance from a
professional if needed.
8. Inspect the property.
It’s highly recommended that you begin
inspecting the property right away. Note
any preexisting conditions or damages
in writing once you move in. Take
pictures! Submit the report to the
landlord for future reference, and keep
a copy for your records. This report will
become an invaluable document when
you move out. The likelihood of the
landlord charging you for preexisting
problems is minimized. And the
likelihood of receiving your full security
deposit refund back is maximized.
9. Acquire renters insurance.
“The landlord’s insurance policy will
cover me if my property is damaged
or destroyed in the case of an
unforeseen hazard.” This is a common
misunderstanding. To protect yourself
against costly repairs/replacements
of your personal property or liability
expenses due to injury, consider
purchasing renters insurance.
Policies vary, but the cost is often very
affordable, to protect your furniture,
clothing, electronics and household
items from being a total loss. The State
Corporation Commission (SCC) provides
useful guides and publications for
consumers at SCC.virginia.gov.
10. Adhere to all lease provisions.
Both the landlord and the tenant have
rights and responsibilities. The landlord
simply wants someone who will pay
rent on time, maintain the property
and follow the terms of the lease. Do
this and your rental experience should
be a pleasant one. But remember,
the landlord is accountable as well.
When the time comes, tenants can
terminate the lease agreement by
providing sufficient notice. However, the
tenant can also seek to have the lease
terminated if they believe the landlord
is in noncompliance with the lease
agreement. In addition, the landlord
can terminate the agreement when the
lease term expires and when the tenant
is noncompliant. Best practice — adhere
to all lease provisions. The Virginia
Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
(VRLTA) provides detailed information
and can be found at DHCD.virginia.gov.