+ Read your lease thoroughly, sub-letter too, before signing.
+ Ask questions.
+ Treat your landlord with courtesy. Rudeness doesn’t help.
+ Follow appropriate procedures outlined in lease for subletting.
+ Get a deposit from sub-letters.
+ Handle your trash and recycling appropriately.
+ Call ahead for an appointment if you need something.
+ Remember your neighbors; their needs/schedules differ from yours.

What You Owe Your Landlord

~ Your rent, as agreed, on time.
~ READ your lease.
~ The cost of utilities.
~ Stipulations in lease, unless illegal.
~ Security deposit of $100 or one month’s rent, whichever is more.
~ A list of defects or needed repairs 5 days after move in.
~ A forwarding address in writing.
~ Sublet with approval of manager/landlord.

What Your Landlord Owes You

* Stipulations in your lease, unless there is something illegal
* Provision of “minimum standards” as defined by law
*Formal notice and request for rent 7 days prior prior to filing for an eviction
* Return of your deposit (minus the documented costs to repair damage or unpaid rent) within 30 days of move out (give forwarding address)

Landlords have a duty to provide tenants with safe, sanitary housing.They are NOT meeting their duty if there are:

1. Bugs, mice/rats, infesting your place and the landlord is not providing an exterminator and regular inspections.
2. Sewage back up due to a faulty septic system.
3. Exposed wires, defective switch/outlets or other conditions that create a danger of electrical shock or fire.
4. Roof or walls leaking consistently.
5. Plaster is falling from the walls or ceilings.
6. Floors, walls, or ceilings that have holes that are dangerous.
7. Porches, stairs, or railings that are not structurally sound.
8. Large amounts of garbage in the common areas resulting from failure of the landlord to provide removal/storage, unless otherwise in the lease.
9. No water or the hot water heater is not working.
10. Gas leaks or defective pilot lights in appliances furnished.
11. Heating facilities not properly installed, safely maintained or in good condition, or are not capable of heating to at least 65 degrees F; if the landlord pays utilities and keeps it below 65 degrees F.

12. No hard wired smoke detectors present.

13. Not two ways in which to exit the living space.