Rent Smarter

Nine Keys to smart renting from radio host and consumer advocate Clark Howard.

1. Before you pay an application fee to rent a house or apartment, clarify the monthly rent, length of the lease and the terms of the deposit.

2. Be sure to confirm what utilities are and are not included in the lease: electricity, gas, water.

3. Always take a day to review the lease document. Have a friend read over it also. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and indicate changes on the lease where you disagree with the terms.

4. Add a clause to the lease that gives you the right to terminate the contract before its normal expiration if your circumstances change.

5. Ask if the lease automatically renews at the end of the term.

6. Make sure to be present for the move-in inspection, and note everything you can find wrong with the apartment. Be present for the move-out inspection, too.

7. If a landlord doesn’t return your security deposit, you have the right to sue in small claims court.

8. Renting from a private owner is fine, but be aware of the danger of not being able to renew your lease, or of the owner being foreclosed upon.

9. If your landlord fails to respond to maintenance requests, send written requests. If a landlord doesn’t respond to a breakdown that makes the apartment unlivable, consider paying for the repair yourself and deducting the amount from your next month’s rent.

For more of Clark Howard's money saving tips visit www.ClarkHoward.com