What happens before you sign a lease
Renting your first apartment means learning what landlords expect, what you need to prove about yourself, and what protections exist if things go wrong. Most landlords will ask for proof of income, a credit check, references from previous landlords or employers, and a security deposit before you move in. You will also need to understand what a lease actually commits you to — how long you are bound to stay, what happens if you break it early, and what the landlord can and cannot do to your deposit when you leave.
The process typically takes two to four weeks from the time you find an apartment to the time you get keys. During that time, you will be asked questions about your finances and background, shown the apartment, asked to sign documents, and expected to pay money upfront. Knowing what is normal — and what is a red flag — saves you from overpaying, signing away rights you did not know you had, or moving into a place with serious problems.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords typically require proof of monthly income (usually a pay stub or tax return), a credit check, and a signed lease before you move in.
- Security deposits are held by the landlord and must be returned within a set number of days after you move out; the rules for deductions vary by state.
- Your lease is a binding contract that sets the rent amount, lease term, and what each party can and cannot do; read it carefully before signing.
- Tenant protections — such as the right to a habitable apartment, notice before entry, and protection from retaliation — exist in every state but vary significantly by location.
- Common first-time mistakes include not inspecting the apartment before signing, not getting promises in writing, and not understanding what deductions a landlord can make from your deposit.
Income, credit, and background checks
Most landlords want to see that your monthly income is at least three times the monthly rent. If the apartment costs $1,200 per month, they typically want proof you earn at least $3,600 per month before taxes. You can show this with recent pay stubs (usually the last two months), a letter from your employer, or tax returns if you are self-employed. If your income is lower, some landlords will accept a co-signer — usually a parent or relative — who agrees to pay the rent if you do not.
A credit check shows the landlord whether you have paid bills on time in the past. If you have no credit history (because you have never borrowed money or had a credit card), this is not automatically a problem — many landlords will accept a co-signer or ask for a larger deposit instead. If you have missed payments or have collections accounts, the landlord may deny you or charge a higher deposit. You have the right to see what the credit report says about you; if it contains errors, you can dispute them with the credit bureau.
Landlords also often call previous landlords or employers to verify you lived or worked where you said you did. If you have never rented before, a letter from an employer or a character reference can sometimes substitute. Be honest about your history — landlords often discover lies during background checks, and dishonesty is grounds for when ready rejection or eviction later.
The lease: what you are actually signing
A lease is a contract between you and the landlord that spells out the rent amount, when it is due, how long you will live there, and what each of you can and cannot do. Before you sign, read the entire document. Look for the lease term (usually 6 months or 1 year), the monthly rent, what utilities you pay, what happens if you break the lease early, and what the landlord can charge you for.
Pay special attention to clauses about late fees, pet policies, guest policies, and maintenance responsibilities. If something is unclear or seems unfair, ask the landlord to explain it or change it before you sign. Once you sign, you are bound by what the lease says — not by what the landlord told you verbally. If the landlord promised to fix something or said you could have a pet, and the lease does not say so, you have no legal protection if they change their mind later.
Some leases include clauses that are illegal in certain states — for example, a clause that says the landlord can enter your apartment without notice, or that you waive your right to a habitable apartment. These clauses are not enforceable even if you sign them, but you may have to go to court to prove it. Knowing your state's tenant laws before you sign helps you spot these problems.
Security deposits and move-in costs
A security deposit is money you pay upfront that the landlord holds until you move out. It is meant to cover damage beyond normal wear and tear. The amount varies, but it is often equal to one month's rent. Some states cap how much a landlord can charge; others do not. You should receive a written receipt showing the amount you paid and where it is being held.
When you move out, the landlord has a set number of days — usually 30 to 45 days, depending on your state — to return your deposit or send you an itemized list of deductions. Common deductions include unpaid rent, damage to walls or floors, broken appliances, or cleaning costs if you left the apartment dirty. Normal wear and tear — scuffs on walls, faded paint, worn carpet — cannot be deducted. If the landlord keeps money without providing an itemized list, or if the deductions seem unreasonable, you can take them to small claims court in most states.
Beyond the security deposit, you may also owe a first month's rent and a last month's rent upfront. Some landlords also charge an process fee (to cover the cost of the background check) or a non-refundable move-in fee. Ask the landlord upfront what the total cost will be before you move in.
Inspecting the apartment and documenting its condition
Before you sign the lease, walk through the apartment with the landlord or property manager and look for damage, stains, broken fixtures, or anything that does not work. Turn on the lights, run the water, flush the toilet, open and close windows and doors, and check the appliances. Take photos or video of anything that is broken or dirty. This protects you because when you move out, the landlord cannot charge you for damage that was already there.
Many landlords provide a move-in inspection form that lists the condition of each room. Fill it out carefully, note any existing damage, and ask the landlord to sign it. Keep a copy for your records. If the landlord does not provide a form, create your own — a straightforward list or set of photos with dates is enough. If you do not document the apartment's condition before you move in, the landlord can later claim you caused damage that was already there, and you will have no proof otherwise.
If you notice serious problems — mold, broken heat, pest infestations, or water damage — do not move in until they are fixed. These are habitability issues, and the landlord is required by law to fix them. If you move in and then report them, the landlord may claim you caused the damage.
Tenant rights and what landlords cannot do
Every state gives tenants certain rights, though the details vary. Most states require that apartments be habitable — meaning they have working heat, hot water, electricity, and a roof that does not leak. The landlord must make repairs within a reasonable time if something breaks. If the landlord refuses to make necessary repairs, you may be able to withhold rent, repair it yourself and deduct the cost from rent, or break the lease without penalty, depending on your state.
Landlords also cannot enter your apartment without notice (except in emergencies like fire or gas leak). Most states require 24 to 48 hours' written notice before the landlord can enter to show the apartment to new tenants, make repairs, or inspect the property. Landlords cannot retaliate against you for reporting code violations, requesting repairs, or asserting your legal rights — though retaliation laws vary by state and sometimes have time limits.
Landlords cannot discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status. Some states and cities add protections for sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, or criminal history. If you believe a landlord has discriminated against you, you can file a complaint with your state's housing authority or the federal Fair Housing Administration.
Common mistakes first-time renters make
Not reading the lease before signing is the most common mistake. Many first-time renters assume the lease is standard or trust the landlord's word, then discover later that they agreed to something they did not understand. Always read the entire lease, ask questions about anything unclear, and get any promises the landlord makes in writing as an amendment to the lease.
Not documenting the apartment's condition before moving in is another costly mistake. Landlords can later claim you caused damage that was already there, and without photos or a signed inspection form, you have no way to prove otherwise. Spending 30 minutes taking photos and filling out an inspection form on move-in day saves you hundreds of dollars on move-out.
Paying cash or giving money directly to the landlord without a receipt is risky. Always pay by check, bank transfer, or credit card so you have proof of payment. If a landlord asks for cash and refuses to give a receipt, this is a red flag — it may indicate they are not reporting income or are not the actual owner of the property.
Assuming you can break the lease without penalty is another mistake. If your lease says you will be charged a fee for breaking it early, you will owe that fee. Some states allow you to break a lease early without penalty in specific situations (like domestic violence or military deployment), but you have to follow the legal process — straightforward moving out does not erase the obligation.
What to do if something goes wrong
If the landlord does not make necessary repairs, send a written request (email or certified mail) asking them to fix the problem within a reasonable time — usually 14 to 30 days, depending on your state. Keep a copy. If they do not respond, you may be able to repair it yourself and deduct the cost from rent, or withhold rent, or break the lease. The exact process varies by state, so check your state's tenant rights guide before you act.
If the landlord enters without proper notice, or retaliates against you for reporting a problem, document it in writing with dates and details. Take photos if there is evidence of entry (like a note left behind). Report it to your local housing authority or tenant rights organization, which can advise you on next steps.
If the landlord does not return your security deposit or makes unreasonable deductions, send a written demand for the full amount within 30 days. If they do not respond, you can file a claim in small claims court. Bring your lease, photos from move-in and move-out, the receipt for the deposit, and any written communication with the landlord.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a credit history?
Many landlords will work with you if you have no credit history. You can offer a co-signer (usually a parent), pay a larger security deposit, or provide references from employers or teachers. Some landlords use alternative credit reports that look at utility payments or rent history instead of traditional credit scores.
Can a landlord charge me for normal wear and tear when I move out?
No. Normal wear and tear — faded paint, small scuffs, worn carpet — cannot be deducted from your security deposit. The landlord can only deduct for damage beyond normal use. If you disagree with the deductions, you can dispute them in small claims court.
What should I do if the apartment has problems before I move in?
Do not move in until serious problems are fixed. Problems like broken heat, mold, pest infestations, or water damage are habitability issues the landlord must fix. If you move in first and then report them, the landlord may claim you caused the damage. Get repairs in writing before you sign the lease.
Can my landlord raise the rent during my lease?
No, not during the lease term. The rent amount in your lease is locked in for the length of the lease. When the lease ends and you renew, the landlord can raise the rent, though some cities have rent control laws that limit how much. Check your local rules.
What happens if I need to move out early?
If your lease has an early termination clause, you may owe a fee. Some states allow you to break a lease early without penalty in specific situations like domestic violence or military deployment, but you must follow the legal process. Read your lease carefully and contact your local tenant rights organization if you need to leave early.