HomeMy WebLinkAboutTips for Renters - Looking for an apartment move inTips for First Time Renters
When Looking for an Apartment:
So, you’re ready to look for your first apartment. Be careful of the following red flags:
• Landlord refuses to give you a copy of the lease to review.
• Landlord puts pressure on you to sign immediately.
• Refusal to show the apartment you are interested in renting. Excuses for why the
rental unit can’t be shown, such as "the owner is traveling" or "the landlord is sick."
• Landlord does not have a valid rental permit issued by the City. For Iowa City
properties, check https://www.icgov.org/permit-activity-look.
Things to do:
• Make sure to walkthrough the unit with the landlord or property manager. Double
check the address to make sure you’re visiting the unit you will be leasing. Make
sure the amenities match what was advertised.
• Consider the parking situation for you and guests.
• Ask current tenants in the apartment complex how much they pay in utilities. Utility
costs can vary greatly depending on the type and age of housing.
• Drive by the unit at night. Is it secure? Does it have adequate lighting? Will you be
comfortable living there?
• Ask the landlord how maintenance issues are addressed. Do they have staff on
call? What is the expected response time?
• Research the landlord and their properties online. Have there been consistent
maintenance issues, non-responsive property management, alleged misconduct,
etc.
Once you find a unit you’re interested in:
So, you found a unit you like.
1) Review and understand the lease before you sign it. Always keep your lease as
you may need to refer to it when issues arise.
2) Know what utilities the landlord pays and what you are responsible for such as
water, garbage, gas, electric, cable, and internet.
3) Verify the start and end date of the lease.
4) Verify the rent charged and if pro-rated if not a full month.
5) Review all lease terms. The lease should cover items such as what types of
damage you are responsible for, what maintenance you must perform such as
mowing or snow removal, are you allowed to sublet your room/unit, can you have
pets, can you add roommates, etc.
Once you sign the lease and move in:
• At move in, document any and all damages/problems that you see. Take date
stamped photos of the unit. Make a copy for your records and provide a copy to
your landlord within the first 7 days of the lease term.
• Get renter’s insurance. You should get renters insurance because it protects
your belongings from theft or property damage. The landlord’s policy does not
cover your personal belongings. If you have car insurance, you might want to
check with the company to see if rentals can be added to an existing policy. You
may also be added to your parent’s homeowner’s insurance (check with their
company’s policy for details). The benefits of renter’s insurance are great, and
the cost is usually low.
• Befriend your neighbors. When an issue arises, it is much easier to discuss with
a neighbor to resolve if you know each other.
After you move in and something goes wrong:
Invariably something will not work. The fridge, the oven, a leaking faucet, a window
won’t open, etc.
Things to do:
1) Notify the property manager in writing. Let the property manager know the
problem and date it started.
2) Follow up with a phone call.
3) Depending on what it is, allow a reasonable time for the landlord to schedule and
get the item repaired/replaced.
4) If the item does not get repaired after you notify the landlord in a reasonable
time, please contact Neighborhood and Development Services to report the issue
for Iowa City properties. If a violation, the City can assist in enforcing the
housing code. Contact us at 319.356.5135 or report online at
https://www.icgov.org/ICgovXpress.
For more serious problems, review Iowa Legal Aid’s advice on how to get landlords to
make repairs. https://www.iowalegalaid.org/resource/how-do-i-get-my-landlord-to-make-
repairs?ref=18vOz
Where to go for help with legal issues:
If you are a University of Iowa Student, you can access Student Legal Services for
free. Their rental guide is an excellent source of information.
https://legal.studentlife.uiowa.edu/rental-guide/
Campus office: G115 Iowa Memorial Union, Iowa City
Phone: 319.335.3276; email: student-legal@uiowa.edu
Eligible low-income Iowans can access free legal help from Iowa Legal Aid for civil law
problems, including housing. The website below has helpful information on tenant
rights.
Phone: 1-800-532-1275; Office: 1700 S. 1st Avenue, Suite 10, Iowa City, IA 52240
Website: www.iowalegalaid.org
Fair Housing is a Right!
If you believe you have been the victim of discrimination report it by contacting the City
of Iowa City Human Rights Office.
Phone: 319-356-5022 Email: humanrights@iowa-city.org.