Before renting, ask your landlord:

  • Is this a Crime-Free Multi Housing building?
  • Who is responsible for maintenance? How do I request maintenance to my unit?
  • Who do I call in case of emergency?
  • How long does it take for a maintenance request to be taken care of?

RENTERS’ INSURANCE

The cost of renter’s insurance is low. It can be obtained from any insurance company.

Renters’ insurance will insure your personal belongings against fire, flood, or sewer damage in the building.

Accidents happen! You may accidentally cause damage to your building or harm someone in your building. Renters’ insurance can help cover these costs.

TIP: Save money by combining your home and car insurance.

SECURITY DEPOSIT RULES

A security deposit is money, equal to one month’s rent that you pay to a landlord before you move in. The landlord must put the security deposit into a special bank account, called a trust account. The money will stay in the trust account until you move out.

Your landlord may keep the security deposit for a number of reasons, such as:

  • You owe money for rent, fees or utilities;
  • You, or your guests, have damaged the property; or
  • You have not cleaned the property.

RETURN OF THE SECURITY DEPOSIT

Once you move out, the landlord must mail you a statement within 10 days that tells you if you are getting your security deposit back or not. The landlord then has 20 more days to mail you a final statement of account. If you don’t receive a statement from your landlord, you can write your landlord a letter to ask for your security deposit.

INSPECTION REPORTS

The landlord must complete an inspection report to keep any of the security deposit.

When you meet with your landlord to complete the inspection reports, you should take pictures or a video with your phone or camera.