Oakland County Michigan 12 Ways To Protect Yourself As A Renter

All renters have rights. Some are guaranteed by law, while others will be outlined in your lease agreement.

Oakland County Michigan 12 Ways To Protect Yourself As A Renter 

Here are some things you can do to be a savvy renter and protect yourself if things go wrong:

1. Talk to your landlord: Keep communication open with your landlord. If there's a problem -- for example, if the landlord is slow to make repairs -- talk it over to see if the issue can be resolved short of a nasty legal battle.

2. Insure your personal property: Your landlord is required to have insurance on the property, but it won't protect you or your stuff if anything should go wrong. Renter's insurance is generally very affordable and will cover damages to your personal property under many different circumstances. Talk to an insurance agent to find an affordable policy that's right for you.

3. Know the law: Before you sign a contract, find out what the tenant/landlord laws are in your state. These laws outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including what can legally be included in your rental agreement and sometimes, how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit.

4. Understand your contract: Make sure to read your lease agreement carefully so you understand what your responsibilities are as a tenant. These may include things like keeping up the property, following city codes, and paying your rent by a certain date each month.

5. Inspect the property: When you move into a new place, it's important to document the condition of the property. When you move out, your landlord can deduct the cost to fix any damages that go beyond reasonable wear and tear. Take photos, go slowly, ask questions, and make sure that both you and your landlord are on the same page.

6. Understand your rights: Just as you have responsibilities as a tenant, your landlord must abide by state laws and the rental agreement, too. Your landlord cannot enter your property without providing proper notice, and they have a responsibility to keep the property maintained and livable. State laws vary, so be sure to become familiar with landlord requirements and responsibilities in your area.

7. Notify in writing: If the pipes burst, the heater stops running, or any other issues come up, it's fine to make a phone call, but it's also a good idea to let your landlord know in writing. That way, if the landlord fails to resolve the issue, you will have documentation to support you in any dispute. If you do just make a phone call, be sure to write down the date and what was discussed or agreed on.

8. Hold up your end of the bargain: If you fail to take out the trash or pay your rent on time, get a dog without permission, or violate any other terms of your lease, then your landlord has the right to terminate your rental agreement.

9. Be Aware of Scams: Before signing a lease or even contacting a landlord about an available tenancy, evaluate the listing carefully. With the frequency of property management scams out there, you can never be too careful. Warning signs may include the following. The landlord/property manager asks for money upfront before you sign a lease agreement or view the property. Property is advertised at an extremely low price (A deal too good to be true). There is no thorough screening process required of you (ie. Credit checks, reference checks, etc.) Oppositely, the "property manager" asks for invasive personal details upfront before the meeting. The home is in terrible shape or abandoned, hinting that it might be foreclosed, decrepit, etc. The property manager exhibits shady behavior or avoidance of questions about the property or their identity

10. Understand Notices and Eviction Terms: Understanding your rights as a tenant also means knowing your state's laws for eviction periods and other types of notices. This is to ensure you give adequate notice before terminating the lease yourself. Also, knowing the laws regarding eviction can help you if the landlord wants to evict you. If a landlord is attempting to evict a tenant, it might be because of the following circumstances: The tenant has conducted illegal activities on the property tenant has violated the lease terms without remedy (such as missed rent payments)Tenant caused severe damage without remedyLandlord has given adequate notice and adhered to the lease terms before providing notice to terminate for reasons such as renovations or resale.

11. Protect your safety: Learn whether your building and neighborhood are safe, and what you can expect your landlord to do about it if they aren't. Get copies of any state or local laws that require safety devices such as deadbolts and window locks, check out the property's vulnerability to intrusion by a criminal, and learn whether criminal incidents have already occurred on the property or nearby. If a crime is highly likely, your landlord may be obligated to take some steps to protect you.

12. Protect your security deposit: To protect yourself and avoid any misunderstandings, make sure your lease or rental agreement is clear on the use and refund of security deposits, including allowable deductions. When you move in, do a walk-through with the landlord to record existing damage to the premises on a move-in statement or checklist. 

 

Oakland County Michigan 12 Ways To Protect Yourself As A Renter 

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