Last week we invited Royce Travis, a housing counselor here at Aberdeen Neighborhood Housing Services (ANHS), to join us and give some tips on getting repairs done if you’re a renter.

This week, Royce said she’d like to tell you how to be a wise renter to begin with so you can avoid some of those potential hassles.

Before signing on the dotted line to rent or lease an apartment or house, it’s imperative that you walk through with the landlord and a checklist.

Some landlords will have their own checklist. However, if the landlord for the place you’re considering moving into doesn’t, you can get a free one from us at ANHS.

Pay close attention during this walkthrough. The idea is to be as vigilant as possible to mark down any defects of the unit so that later on you will not be charged for pre-existing damage.

So, go through each room and note any defects. Is the rug stained? Are there holes in the walls? Do the windows open easily? Does the place come with curtains? Do the appliances work properly? Is there any water damage to the floors, under the sinks or around the tub or toilet?

If it’s a house, even note the condition of the yard and surrounding area. For instance, if a big pile of debris greets you when you drive up or the siding or doors are damaged, make a note of it – you don’t want someone to declare you responsible for preexisting conditions.

Remember the time to be picky is now. Put down every little thing. Every little cigarette burn on a counter top or a missing knob should be noted.

Even if you have been in a rental for a time and didn’t do a walkthrough when you rented, it would still be in your best interest to do one now, with your landlord.

In addition to a complete physical check of the premises, make sure you understand the terms of your agreement before deciding to become a tenant.

Will you rent or will you lease? There are advantages both ways.

If you are renting month-to-month, your landlord can terminate your tenancy (throw you out) with a 20-day written notice.

With a lease, you are locked into that unit for the specified period of time (often 6 months or a year). It’s harder to evict you, but it also means that if you want to move, you are liable for the rent money until the end of the contract – even if you don’t live there anymore.

Also, once a lease has expired, your agreement automatically becomes a month-to-month agreement.

One thing many landlords and tenants don’t know is that even if no rental or lease papers are signed, both parties still fall under the state’s Landlord/Tenant Act.

Renting gives you more freedom, but leasing gives you more security.

If you lease, your rent payment cannot be raised (or lowered) during the time of the lease.

If you rent, your landlord can increase the rent payment as often as he wants as long as he gives you a 30-day written notice.

If you have to break your lease – maybe you have a job transfer – you are responsible for any months left in the contract. However, the landlord is required to make a "reasonable effort" to re-rent the place and if he does, you are only stuck with the portion of the bill when the unit was empty.

Regardless if you rent or lease, make sure any fines for late rents are clearly spelled out in the agreement.

Also, renters making work -for-rent agreements with their landlord should put everything in explicit written detail.

Make sure you have copies of any written agreements between you and your landlord

Think ahead if you know you are planning to leave your rental. A 20-day written notice, before the end of the rental period (the day before rent is due), is required if you are renting month-to-month. Sending it by certified mail is a good idea.

If you give inadequate notice, you may have to pay a portion of the rent as well as forfeiting your right to any damage deposit.

Next week we’ll talk about landlords’ rights and responsibilities.