Renting an apartment in the USA

Looking for an apartment
There are several ways to look for an apartment. You may look around the area where you would like to live. Many apartment buildings have "For Rent" or "Vacancy" signs displayed. The sign often includes phone numbers where you can call to obtain more information.

Newspapers also list apartments for rent, usually including the size, location, and rent of each apartment. They sometimes list features as well. Other places to look are the Internet and apartment guides, which are usually free.

You can also use the services of a rental agency. They can help you find a specific apartment for a fee.

What to keep in mind
It is important to decide what you will be looking for. One concern is the apartment's location. You should make sure your apartment is close to where you work or go to school.

Safety is also very important. Look for an apartment in a safe neighborhood where you will feel secure and comfortable with your neighbors. Make sure all areas in the apartment building are well lighted.

Find out how well the apartment building is taken care of. Ask the landlord or apartment manager who is responsible for making repairs in your apartment and if anyone makes repairs on weekends.

Types of apartments
You can rent private, semi-private, studio, or efficiency apartments. Private apartments are not connected to other apartments. Semi-private apartments are in buildings with other apartments. Studio apartments have one large room and a private bathroom. The large room has a kitchen area, a bedroom area, and a living area. An efficiency apartment is a studio apartment that includes furniture.

You can choose between a furnished and unfurnished apartment. Both furnished and unfurnished apartments usually include major kitchen appliances such as a stove and a refrigerator. Some apartments also have a dishwasher. Washers and dryers are usually located in a common area in the building and are operated with coins.

Extra features
Extra features may include fireplaces, ceiling fans, carpets, etc. Some apartments include small yards or patios. Some buildings have storage space in basements or attics. Others may have swimming pools, tennis courts or gyms.

Some apartments have parking lots or parking garages. Many landlords charge renters for parking spaces or garages. Other landlords offer free parking.

Rent, lease & sublease
You will be required to sign an agreement called a lease when you rent an apartment. You agree to live in an apartment for a certain length of time (usually a year) when you sign a lease. The landlord often cannot change the rent price until the lease is finished. A security deposit is also required at the time of signing a lease. It is usually the same amount as the rent payment for a month. Landlords return the deposits when the lease expires if renters do not damage the apartment.

Utility costs such as water and electricity are not usually included in the rent payment.

Signing a lease
Always read the lease carefully before you sign it, especially the fine print. Do not sign unless you understand and agree with its provisions.

Make sure the lease includes important information such as rent amount and when it is due. It should state clearly what happens if a person breaks the lease and whether subleasing is allowed. The lease should list any features included in the rent payment such as utilities.

The lease should also include the amount of any security or pet deposits renters must pay. It also should state when renters would get their deposits back.

Renters' responsibilities and rights
If a renter breaks the rules of the lease, the landlord can force renters to move. They can also require you to pay rent for the full period of your lease.

In the United States discrimination is against the law. For example, a landlord may discriminate by saying an available apartment has already been rented, or by not renting to families with children.

In the case of buildings with fewer than five apartments discrimination laws do not apply. The reason for this is that such small buildings are considered to be the landlords' homes.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) makes sure the landlords obey the law. If you believe you have been discriminated for whatever reason you should call them. They can be contacted at:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410
Telephone: (202) 708-1112