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 Department of Housing and Community Affairs |
Helpful Hints for Renters......
- Shop Carefully.
Use
the on-line application to determine the type, size, price, and
other features associated with apartments offered for rent in
Montgomery County. Call the rental offices of apartments that
interest you and arrange to see available units.
- Drive Around. Visit
rental offices even if you don't see "Vacancy" signs. Many
apartment buildings never post the signs. And, many never advertise
their vacancies in the newspaper.
- Speak with the Rental
Agent or Resident Manager. Identify the units that are expected
to be available as well as their associated occupancy dates.
- Get on a Waiting List. If
there are no vacancies that interest you, then request to be placed
on a waiting list so that you will be contacted as soon as a vacancy
occurs.
- Get a Copy of the Lease. If
you are particularly interested in an apartment, then ask for a copy
of the lease that you will asked to sign. Read the lease carefully
and be sure that you understand it fully before you have to
sign. If you do not understand part of the lease, then make sure
that you ask questions.
- Make both Day and Night
Visits to the Apartment. An evening visit may uncover problems
such as parking, lighting, heating, or noise.
- Check the Apartments
Condition. Before you move in, inspect the apartment
carefully. Check the adequacy of the heat, hot water, electrical
service, and appliances such as the stove, the refrigerator, and the
washer and dryer. Look for dampness or discoloration of walls,
floors, or ceilings in addition to the presence of screens on all
windows and doors.
- Get a Copy of the
Landlord-Tenant Handbook. This booklet describes the rights and
responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord. It is
available in both English and Spanish from the Division of Housing
and Code Enforcement (240-777-3636 or 240-777-3679 for TDD).
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