Signing the Lease
Screen your landlord
Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Take the time to have a conversation with a prospective landlord/property manager. A good landlord wants to rent to a responsible person. Asking questions shows that you are going to protect yourself and in turn you are likely going to protect their property.
Questions for the landlord
- How long have you been a landlord?
- How many properties do you own?
- How long did the last tenants live there?
- Where did those tenants go?
- Who is responsible for making repairs?
- What is your preferred method of contact for general questions/concerns? Emergencies?
Questions for references
- When did you rent from the landlord?
- How long did you live in the rental?
- Why did/are you moving?
- How responsive is/was the landlord to repairs or late rent?
- How was your security deposit returned?
- Was the landlord respectful to you and your property?
- Did the landlord give you proper notice to end the rental agreement?
- Would you rent from this landlord again?
Other ways to screen a landlord
- Search the public records to verify municipal code compliance where applicable.
- Check for complaints with the Better Business Bureau, Rental Review Websites, the City or County Chamber of Commerce.
- Conduct interviews—visit the neighbors.
- Find out how long people stay.
- Find out why the previous tenants left from a neighbor if possible.
- Read the entire rental or lease agreement. Never sign a rental agreement that you have not read completely—including the tiny fine print at the bottom of each page.
- Look at the other properties the landlord owns. Drive by those properties to see how the landlord maintains his properties.
Reviewing your lease
Before you commit to renting a housing unit, you should clearly understand the responsibilities involved with each of the following terms. They should be explicitly identified in your lease as words with common and everyday meanings and must be clear and coherent. Compare any lease you are considering signing with applicable tenant-landlord laws. As you are reading through your lease, make sure the following items are addressed within the document. If some things are not addressed, be sure to ask the landlord about his or her policy regarding those items. You may also request to have items added to the lease. For questions about leases and tenant-landlord relationships, contact Off-Campus Living at 607-255-2310 or visit our website at offcampusliving.cornell.edu. Another useful resource is the New York State Tenants Rights Guide produced by the New York State Attorney General.
Rent
- Amount
- Due date
- Penalty for late payment
- Price changes
- Conditions for price changes
Security/Damage Deposit
- Amount
- Conditions for return
- Date for return
Termination
- Ability to sublet
- Conditions for sublet
Parking
- Location
- Limitations
Additional Costs
- Utilities (i.e., gas, electric, phone, water)
- Pet-related charges/deposit
- Overnight or weekend guests
- Parking
- Furnishings
- Cleaning
- Other
Restrictions
- Smoking
- Noise
- Storage
- Pets
- Alterations (i.e., picture hanging, painting)
- Conduct
- Parties
- Waterbeds
Time of Occupancy
- Dates (be exact)
- Requirements for notification of renewal
- Number of occupants (min and max)
Damages
- Responsibility for damages
- Assessment of damages
- Responsibility for repairs
Changes in Agreement
- Conditions for changes of agreement
- Process for changing agreement
Laundry Facilities
- Provision of facilities
- Ability for tenant to install machines
- Other limitations
Inspection
- When
- By whom (i.e., landlord, add’l inspectors)
- Use of rental inventory
- Certificate of Compliance (Ithaca City only)
- Notification of inspection
Cleaning
- Responsibility
- Frequency
- Equipment provided
Special Considerations
- Planned improvements/special work
- Snow removal (property and/or public sidewalks)
Owner
- Name and address of property owner
- Name and address of property manager
- Name and contact info for Emergencies