finding a place
Beware of “finders” or agencies that promise to find you a place for a fee. These agencies do little that you cannot do yourself. They usually offer listings of apartments which you can find yourself, and many of the apartments they list are already rented. If you use a service make sure your fee is refundable if you do not find a place.
2. Ask for a copy of your landlord’s rental license. According to the Philadelphia Code in order to rent a property, a landlord must have a Housing Inspection License. Without it, a landlord cannot collect rent or bring an eviction complaint in Landlord-Tenant Court. You can call L&I by dialing 311 in Philadelphia to find out whether your property is licensed.
3. Make sure you give any home you are thinking of renting a thorough inspection. Take along a copy of the Housing Code Checklist when you inspect the house or apartment. Run the tap to see if the water is hot; try the lights; flush the toilet; open the windows; and watch for roaches or rodents. If too many things are not working, you have probably found a landlord worth avoiding. To be absolutely sure, call the Department of Licenses and Inspections to see if there are any Housing Code violations on the property.
4. Before you sign the lease, see the place during the day and night. Determine if the neighborhood is quiet and safe. See if people living in the area seem friendly and neighborly. This is your responsibility. Ask neighbors about the landlord, repairs and why the last tenants moved out. Think twice before renting a home from a landlord with a bad reputation.
6. Get receipts for any payments you make to your new landlord. If you leave a deposit to hold the apartment or house, or if you pay for a security deposit towards the rent, get a receipt. If you cannot get a receipt from the landlord, pay by check or money order and save the canceled check.
7. Make sure any promises that are made are put in writing. Sometimes a landlord will promise to make repairs once you have moved in or after you sign a lease. If your landlord promises new cupboards, clean carpets or new locks, type up the list and ask the landlord to sign it. If possible, take pictures. By doing so, you are protecting yourself. If something, like a refrigerator, is missing that was supposed to be included notify your landlord immediately in writing.