5. BEFORE YOU SIGN, KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS A TENANT

You've got the 15-foot ceilings and the huge balcony overlooking your favorite all-night bar. You've got the chandeliers and the hard-wood floors. Now all you need is to sign the lease.

Wait! Before you sign, you have to know your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. Here's the first must: get a written lease. If you have an oral lease, you may be subject to restrictions that you weren't aware of. So just do what we say and get yourself a written lease. We don't like being argued with, especially when we're right. Be sure to check that the following are correctly recorded:

  • All names and addresses
  • Dates of occupancy
  • Rent amount
  • Details about the security deposit
  • Parking spot specifications (if you get one)

If the landlord has made you any promises, like cleaning the Cheez Whiz from the kitchen ceiling, make sure you get it in writing or at least have a third party listen in. Landlords are notorious about "getting around to something." If it's in black and white, you have more justification when you refuse to pay the rent.

For guidance, check out Ten Tips Every Tenant Needs to Know to familiarize yourself with basic tenant rights and obligations.