Tips Every Tenant Needs To Know

1. Complete a rental application. The lease or rental agreement is the key document of tenency, setting out issues such as:

Length of the lease
Amount of rent and deposits required
Number of people who can live at the property
Utilities
Pets
Landlord's access to the property

2. Carefully review all the conditions of the application before you sign. Ask Questions! ! Leases and rental agreements should always be in writing. While oral agreements seem easy and informal, they often lead to disputes.

3. Get it in writing! Keep copies of any correspondence and follow up on an oral agreement. For example, if you ask you landlord to make repairs, put your request in writing and keep a copy. If he agrees orally, send a letter confirming this fact.

4. A Tenent may not legally break a lease unless the landlord violates the terms. For example, by failing to make repairs, or complying with a safety or health related law. A landlord my legally break a lease if a tenant violates the terms of the lease. For example, by paying rent late, keeping a pet in violation of a no-pets clause, damaging the property, or participating in illegal activities on or near the premises.

5.Keep Communication open with your landlord. If there's a problem, talk with the landlord to see if the issue can be resolved short of a dispute.

6. Purchase renter's insurance to cover your valuables. Your landlord's insurance policy will not cover your losses.

7. Make sure the security deposit refund procedures are spelled out in your lease or rental agreement clearly.

8. Fair Housing is your right! The US Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity covers most housing. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because of

Race or Color
National Origin
Religion
Sex
Familial Status
Handicap

For additional tips and important information:
Visit www.nolo.com
Kansas Department of Commerce & Housing Hotline 1-800-752-4422
Housing and Credit Counseling, Inc 1-913-234-0217
Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity- US Department of Housing and Urban Development 1-800-669-977