I. Preparation


A. Buy a good area book map

    1. $7 to $8, best money you will spend


B. Decide what and when, but be flexible


   1. Definite move in date

   2. What price range

   3. How many bedrooms and other amenities


C. What you need


 1. Picture ID

 2. Verification of income


  a. Military: Copy of LES

  b. Proof of child support, alimony, disability, social security, retirement


 3. If your spouse is not available, Power of Attorney


 4. Have funds available for security deposit, application fee, and first month's rent
(checks may not be acceptable)


 5. Letter from previous Landlord/Manager


 6. If you have had credit problems, let the Landlord/Manager know up front


 7. Have a letter of explanation ready


II. Finding a Home to Rent


A. Where to look


Clark County Rentals

123RentAHome.com


 2. Newspaper Classifieds

 3. Drive through neighborhoods

 4. Yellow Pages (look under Property Management)

 5. Chamber of Commerce

 6. Real Estate Companies

 7. Free booklets at grocery stores



THE LEASE



 AS A PROSPECTIVE TENANT YOU SHOULD READ AND UNDERSTAND THE LEASE BEFORE SIGNING. IT IS BETTER TO BE AN INFORMED TENANT THAN TO MAKE A MISTAKE AND LEARN ABOUT IT AFTERWARDS. THE LEASE IS A LEGAL AND BINDING CONTRACT BETWEEN A LANDLORD AND A TENANT THAT GRANTS THE TENANT USE OF THE LANDLORDS PROPERTY FOR A GIVEN PERIOD OF TIME. LEASES CAN VARY FROM STATE TO STATE.

IF YOU DO NOT UNDERSTAND, ASK QUESTIONS OR SEEK COMPETENT ADVICE.



III. Understand Your Lease


 A. Keep a copy (important document)

 B. Know when and where to pick up keys

 C. Know when rent is due


  1. How much.

  2. Where to pay

  3. Know when it's late

  4. Know what the late fees are (paying on time does not waste money)


 D. Know what your responsibilities are and your Landlords


  1. Yard Maintenance

  2. Changing air filters

  3. Broken windows

  4. Plumbing backups


 E. Understand terms of Military Clause or other early termination clauses


 F. Understand move out policies

  1. Carpet cleaning

  2. Fireplace/Chimney sweep

  3. Painting

  4. Pet spraying


 G. How much notice do you need to provide


IV. Move In


 A. Set a definite date

 B. Make arrangements to have utilities turned on.

 C. Move in inspections vary. Recommend you go room by room and write down any discrepancies that exist. The more you write down, the less likely you will be charged when you move out (keep a copy of your inspection with your lease as well as turning one in to the Landlord)


V. Move Out


 A. Set a definite date

 B. Make sure you give proper notice

 C. Try to be present at move out inspection

 D. Try to leave in better shape than when you moved in

 E. Have receipts for any cleaning or other items you may be responsible for

 F. Leave forwarding address with Landlord and Post Office


VI. Other Tips


 A. Save money; change your air filter every 30 days

 B. Safety; change smoke detector batteries every 6 months

 C. Know how to clean and operate basic appliances

 D. Know where your electrical box is

 E. Know where your water shut off valve is

 F. Ask what the policy is regarding rent increases

 G. Ask about any special rules for your new home

 H. Ask about policy for return of security deposit

 I. Most leases require that you carry renter's insurance for your belongings