5 Renting Mistakes to Avoid Before Signing a Lease

Good communication with the landlord is crucial.

There are many important factors to consider when renting a property, and some things you should avoid. ah_fotobox/Getty Images/TNS

The apartment-hunting process can be daunting, but don’t jump on a listing just to get it over with. Whether you’re renting a room, an apartment, or a whole house, it’s important to make your selection with care. This will help you avoid a situation where rent is due before you get paid each month, or a landlord that doesn’t respond to maintenance requests. You don’t want to be stuck in a lease you’re not satisfied with.

Jack Gross, broker and owner of Better Homes & Gardens Cassidon Realty, is sharing five factors future tenants should avoid when looking to rent an apartment or house. Before you sign your next lease—no matter how perfect the unit may seem—consider these details before you put a deposit down.

1. Unclear Expectations

While some lease agreements may be quite lengthy, Gross warns tenants to avoid skipping the fine print that often contains important information.