What to check before you rent

By Alexandra Esposito

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Moving from the residence halls to an apartment may seem like the most important step toward freedom and adulthood, but moving in without completing proper procedures can turn the joys of freedom into a nightmare.

“Leaser/tenant issues are what we deal with the most, especially in June and July, around move-in time, when students actually get into the place they’re renting,” said Bill Larzalere, chief litigation attorney for Legal Services for Students.

To avoid getting into a mess before moving in, Larzalere suggests that students see the actual apartment they will be renting, not just a model.

“And while you’re ther,e knock on some doors and talk to neighbors about management,” Larzalere said. “Ask how they respond to maintenance, or what it’s like living in the complex. Will it be quiet for you to study? Do people throw parties? It’s important to know if the complex fits your lifestyle.”

The next step to stress-free renting is a thorough move-in inspection. According to the Kansas Tenants Handbook, Kansas law requires that the tenant and landlord go through the property together within five days of move-in and make a list describing the condition of the apartment.

Larzalere suggests that students complete the inspection prior to moving in.

“When you first move in, do a move-in inspection with your landlord, all roommates and even parents present. More eyes will catch more things. You want to be thorough. Take time to do a good inspection and mark everything down,” Larzalere said.

Legal Services for Students provides a move-in inspection checklist as well as advice on its Web site. Students can use the LSS checklist to document any existing damages and make sure they don’t miss anything during the inspection.

The Kansas Tenants Handbook also provides a detailed list of things to look for and ask about before moving in such as appliances, security, signs of rodents, electrical wiring and plumbing.

“Test things out. Flush the toilets, open windows, turn on the AC and heat, lock and unlock doors.” Larzalere said. “And make sure you mark everything. If you miss something, you could get charged for something you didn’t do. There’s nothing stopping you from taking pictures or videotaping the inspection.”

According to the Kansas Tenant Handbook, tenants shouldn’t just sign a list the landlord has filled out. The law says the tenant and the landlord have to do the inspection together.

The Kansas Tenants Handbook also suggests asking the landlord for a list of things that will be inspected when you leave. The handbook says to look at closely at these things when moving in. The tenant is supposed to return the unit in the condition it was received in, except for normal wear and tear.

“The inspection also gives you a chance to write what you want to have fixed right away. If you move in and something’s not right tell the landlord you want to get it fixed as soon as possible. Then, get it in writing to guarantee it will get done,” Larzalere said.

When you’re done with the inspection, make a copy of the checklist for your landlord. The Kansas Tenants Handbook states that the tenant and landlord both have to have copies of the list signed by both of you.”

Students can avoid making mistakes by taking their time when moving into their apartments. The process may take longer, but it can help ensure a good deal.

Shandi Appier, Overland Park freshman, and her roommates made a list of everything they wanted and asked lots of questions while they were apartment searching.

“We wanted to make sure we got exactly what we wanted,” Appier said.

Larzalere also took his time when he was looking for an apartment.

“When I first went apartment searching in Lawrence, I looked at 20 different places before I found the right one,” Larzalere said. “Make a day of it, but don’t wait until the hottest day of July. Try to get an early start.”

— — Edited by Liz Schubauer

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