HOUSING, RESIDENCE LIFE & GREEK LIFE

Questions to Ask Before Renting

Make sure you ask and understand the answers to these questions before signing a rental agreement!

• How much is the rent?
• When is the rent due?
• Is there a penalty/fee if the rent is late?
• If someone moves out, how will the remaining roommates pay the difference?
• How long is the lease?
• When does the lease end/begin?
• What is the penalty for breaking the lease?
• How much is the deposit?
• How and when is the deposit refunded?
• Should all roommates sign the lease?
• What utilities are included in the rent?
• How much is the installation charge for the utilities, if any?
• What is the average monthly cost for heat, gas, electricity, etc., if they are not included in the rent?
• Is there parking available on the street, parking lot, or garage?
• Is there a cost for parking or is it included in the rent?
• Are there laundry facilities in the building?
• How many laundry units are there? Are they on every floor?
• Are they coin operated? How much does it cost?
• Are pets allowed?
• Is there an additional charge for having pets?
• May the apartment be altered (painted, etc.)?
• Can you hang pictures on the wall (and how)?
• Under what circumstances may the landlord enter your apartment?
• How much advance notice must be given prior to entry?
• How are maintenance concerns handled?
• What is the procedure to report problems or concerns?
• What is the turn-around time for getting a maintenance problem corrected?
• Is subletting permitted?
• What are the procedures for subletting?
• Is there a penalty for subletting?

Additional Information

Cleveland Tenants Organization (CTO) was founded in 1975 to provide information about the Ohio Landlord Tenant Law to landlords and tenants in Cleveland. This is a good source of information about the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants.  It also provides sample form letters for common complaints as well as information on the mediation of housing complaints.