| As a tenant, you have rights. Though it will | | | | Before you make any major renovations or start |
| depend on where you live, you typically have the | | | | painting, check with your landlord and scan |
| right to live in your space without harassment | | | | through your lease to see what you can and can't |
| from your landlord, the freedom to request | | | | do. Also, if there is an accident that requires |
| 24-hours notice and permission before your | | | | major repair, talk to your landlord about either |
| landlord enters your property, and the | | | | fixing the problem yourself or forfeiting part of |
| expectation that the property and included | | | | your deposit to pay for the problem. |
| appliances will be maintained to a particular | | | | A quick fix for scuffed up and marked walls is to |
| standard. On the other hand, you also have | | | | wash them down and paint them in a similar |
| responsibilities. | | | | neutral color before you leave the space. |
| If you're a new tenant or have questions about | | | | Flooring |
| caring for a rental apartment, keep reading. | | | | Do your best to keep the floors in the condition in |
| The Lawn: Whose Job is It? | | | | which you found them. Try putting felt pads on |
| Exactly who is responsible for maintaining the | | | | your furniture legs to minimize scratching. Also, |
| grounds and sidewalks will depend on your lease | | | | avoid wearing your shoes inside, and always clean |
| or rental agreement. Most landlords take on this | | | | up spills quickly. |
| job themselves. | | | | If you're worried about your deposit, have the |
| Regardless of who is caring for the outside of the | | | | carpets cleaned before you return the apartment |
| property, you should respect the land and keep it | | | | keys. Alternatively, some landlords charge a |
| free from debris and obstructions. If you're using | | | | standard cleaning fee at the signing of any lease, |
| the driveway, you need to also keep it clean and | | | | so you may be able to skip this step. |
| clear. | | | | Ideally, you want to return the apartment in the |
| Holes and Marks on the Walls | | | | condition it was in when you first rented it. For |
| While a reasonable amount of wear and tear is to | | | | your own protection and the security of your |
| be expected, you likely won't receive your full | | | | deposit, take photos of the apartment when you |
| deposit back if you return an apartment to your | | | | first move in. Then, if a "he-said-she-said" problem |
| landlord with holes in the walls and giant scuff | | | | arises with your landlord, you'll have your original |
| marks on the ceiling. | | | | photographs to back it up. |
