Renter's Check List

There are a lot of things you need to think about when looking for a place to live. We have covered 'Leases & Legislation' and 'Types of Accommodations'. Now here are a few things you need to check off your list, prior to making you're final choice, of where to live.

Roommates

When considering having a roommate or roommates, we suggest that you consider negotiating a roomate agreement prior to committing to renting an apartment. Experience has shown that even the best of friends and intentions can easily changes from friends to enemies in a very short time of sharing an appartment. Prior to commiting to becoming roommates it is suggested that you consider these points:

A: Rent

• How much is each going to pay?
• What room will each get?
• How are each going to pay? The landlord? A roommate, who then pays the landlord?

B: Other Charges: (How are you going to handle sharing these)

• Telephone
• Food
• Cable

C: Chores: (Who is doing what, when and how often)

• Cooking
• Cleaning
• Outdoor maintenance

D: House rules

• Are visitors and overnight guests allowed?
• Are you permitted to share household appliances?
• Are smoking and/or alcohol allowed?
• Are pets permitted?
• Privacy issues?

E: Other things

• Is there a Grocery store in the area?
• Would you have easy acces to public transportation?
• Do the windows open?
• Do the water taps, toilet and shower work?
• Will the landlord require first and last months' rent?
• Do you need to submit a security deposit?
• Will the landlord want references?
• What it includes: meals?, parking?, utilities?, laundry facilities?

Once you have considered all these things, we suggest that you document it with a formal agreement that all parties commit to and sign, with witnesses.