Location Matters
Visit potential neighborhoods a few times, at different times of the day, before deciding on whether to rent.
Landlord Relations
The landlord might be perfectly nice, but your relationship is about business, not friendship. Check into your potential landlord's reputation before you sign a lease. Get everything in writing, even something as simple as assurance of when a problem will be fixed. Keep copies of all documentation and correspondence between you and the landlord. If you pay in cash, keep the receipts.
Read the Lease Carefully
All agreements between you and the landlord should be in the lease before you sign it. Read the lease carefully and be sure you completely understand and agree to all of the provisions in the lease. Never let anyone pressure you into signing a lease without reading it carefully first.
Landlord's Address
The law sometimes requires you to send written notice to your landlord. The mailing address should be in your lease, but if it isn’t, make sure to get one from the landlord.
Safety Matters
You are in charge of your own safety. You should know where smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are located, how to maintain them, and what to do in an emergency.
Roommates
When you sign a lease with someone else, you could be responsible for the whole bill if the roommate does not pay their share.
Insurance
Renter's insurance costs as little as $12 a month and could save you if your belongings are stolen or destroyed in a fire. Your landlord usually is not responsible for replacing or repairing your property. Insurance can provide coverage in those situations, as well as thefts from other places, such as the trunk of your car.
Repairs
Closely inspect utility closets and appliances during your tour of the property. If something breaks after you have signed a lease, keep calling the landlord until it is fixed. Some landlords may not respond unless you call them frequently. Also make the request in writing and keep a copy of any letter you send.
Utilities
Rent is not the only expense you will have. Utilities are another cost that renters often forget to work into their budgets. You can expect to spend about 31 to 35 percent of your income on the combined cost of rent and utilities. Before you sign a lease, contact the utility companies to find out how much the bills were last year and how much you will pay in setup fees and deposit. If utilities are included in your rent, find out how much control you have over their use. What sounds like a good deal might not be so hot if you hit a cold snap before the landlord turns on your radiator.
Mission
South Carolina Legal Services provides civil legal services to protect low-income residents.
Vision
Ensuring full and fair access to justice for all low-income South Carolinians.
