Top 10 Tips for Students Renting
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1. Legal & Illegal Fees
When you move into an apartment, a landlord can charge you first month’s rent, last month's rent, a security deposit, a lock fee and a portion of a re-inspection fee. A landlord can’t charge you any other fees such as a holding fee or pet fee. A landlord also can’t charge a broker’s/finders fee, unless he/she is a licensed realtor.
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2. Roommates
If one of your roommates moves out, you may still be responsible for paying his/her of the rent until you find a new roommate.
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3. Leases & Tenancies-At-Will
If a landlord offers you a lease, read it carefully before signing it. Leases, which normally run for a year, are binding legal contracts. Tenancies-at-Will run from month to month, but offer you less security against rent increases and evictions.
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4. Renter Insurance
You have probably invested more in personal property than you realize. Computers, stereos, TVs, clothing, jewelry and furniture would be expensive to replace in case of fire or theft. Renters insurance is a good idea and can be surprisingly affordable, Don’t assume that your landlord or your parents’ insurance will cover your belongings.
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5. Re-Inspection
In most cases, a landlord is required to arrange to have your apartment inspected for compliance with State Sanitary Code soon after you move in. To check that this is being done, you can ask your landlord or call the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department.
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6. Code Violations
You are entitled to an apartment that is in compliance with local and state sanitary and building codes. Violations should be reported to your landlord in writing. If they don’t make the necessary repairs, contact the City of Boston Inspectional Services Department's Housing Division at 617-635-5300, Online Services, or the Citizens Connect mobile app.
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7. Condition of Apartment
Before entering into a rental agreement, check out the condition of the apartment. If you can’t, have a friend do it for you. You do not want to be charged for damages that existed when you moved in. It is recommend that you take photos of the entire apartment and make two copies. Keep one set and send copy to landlord.
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8. Security Deposits & Last Month's Rent
Your landlord can legally require you to pay a security deposit and last months rent in amount equivalent to one month’s rent for each. If your landlord collects them, they must, among other things, give proper receipts, pay interest on an annual basis and in case of security deposit and put the money in a separate account in a bank located in Massachusetts.
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9. Noise
Be considerate of your neighbors. Having loud parties late at night or cranking up the music may lead to complaints and eventually to eviction.
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10. Mediation
If you and your landlord have a dispute that you can’t resolve between yourselves, you should consider mediation. Mediation is an informal process in which you and your landlord can try to reach resolution with the help of an impartial mediator. For information about the free mediation service offered by the City of Boston Rental Housing Resource Center, call 617-635-RENT (4200).
