The Lease

• Read the lease carefully and get an explanation of any sections you don't understand or that raise concerns. The private owner may amend minor matters if he thinks you'll be a good tenant. Know how much your rent will be each month, as well as any security or pet deposits outlined in the lease. If you don't understand the specifics of the lease, consult with an attorney for clarification. Don't sign a lease that you don't understand because it's a binding contract.
  
  

Know Your Responsibilities

• Know exactly when the rent is due and how you should pay it. Put in writing any repairs that the landlord needs to fix prior to you moving in. Find out how to notify the owner in case repairs are needed in the future. Discuss a reasonable time frame for repairs to be fixed, and get any promises made in writing. Find out if you're responsible for lawn care or other minor maintenance tasks. Know whom to call for emergency repairs and how the owner wants the process to be handled. Understand clearly when the owner can inspect the property and how much advance notice you will get.
  
  

Security Deposit

• Understand how and when you will receive your security deposit at the end of the lease. Generally, a landlord will conduct a walk-through of the house before issuing a check for the security deposit. Take pictures of the house prior to moving in, so you'll have a record of the property's condition when you took possession of it, especially if there are problems that the owner had promised to fix and didn't. Take pictures after moving out if a walk-through cannot be performed immediately upon vacating the property.
  
  

Renters Insurance

• The insurance that private owners purchase protects their property and generally not anything you bring into the house. Consult with an insurance agent for rental insurance to cover electronic equipment, artwork, jewelry and other items that could be lost to fire, storms, robbery or other actions.
  
  

Keep Records

• Keep a copy of your lease and current rent receipts in a safe place. If you have any correspondence between you and the owner of the house, keep copies on hand in case of disputes. Examples of correspondence can include repair orders, written notice of vacating the property and lease-renewal agreements.