Apartment Roommate and Rental Policy

Start Off on the Right FootMeeting your apartment landlord is a little like going to a job interview-except you're applying for the privilege of paying for something instead of getting paid. You still need to make a good first impression and ask questions that will help you determine if this apartment rental is right for you. It's important to look presentable, be respectful and friendly, and provide the requested documentation that the landlord needs to process your rental application. If you are considering renting with a roommate, you must both apply for the apartment in person together so that the landlord can meet your roommate as well. Since both of your names are going on the rental agreement, you both need to be present and responsible.

Landlords typically request several documents as part of your rental application. Showing up with these documents already prepared demonstrates to the landlord that you are a responsible rental candidate. The following is a list that should help you prep for your apartment search and application process:

• Identification. A driver's license, resident card, or passport will be sufficient.
• Rental History. This document serves as a sort of rental resume. List the places you've lived as well as how long you lived there and the name and/or contact information of the landlord(s). If this is your first time searching for an apartment of living away from home, landlords will usually ask that your parents file the rental application or co-sign the rental agreement with you.
• References. If you had a great relationship with your previous landlord, ask for a reference letter that you can take with you on your apartment search. The letter can be a simple statement of the length of your residency, whether you paid your rent on time, and whether you were always in compliance with your rental agreement and building regulations.
• Records and Paystubs. If you can't access a rental history or reference letter, you might be able to present a record of canceled rent checks to a landlord as a rental history but you should discuss this with them first. You also should keep recent paystubs handy as proof of employment and ability to afford the rental apartment.
• Credit Report. Your landlord will run a credit and background check on you when they process your apartment application. If there is anything in your history that may raise a red flag during the standard investigation, talk to the landlord about it before you submit your application. This not only demonstrates that you're a responsible and honest person, but also may save you the application processing fee if the landlord says that such a red flag would take you out of the running for the apartment (such as a felony criminal record). You also may want to get a copy of your credit report independently. Doing so will alert you to anything that may be problematic and you can keep it with your personal records for future reference.
• Deposit Check. You will need to pay a deposit with your first month's rent. Deposits are designed to protect the landlord from any wear and tear that the apartment will incur during your residency. It usually covers small maintenance issues such as nail holes in the walls and carpet stains. Some deposits are refundable but you should read the terms of the deposit in your rental agreement carefully. Letting your landlord know that you have already budgeted for the deposit and have the funds ready to go could inch you ahead of your rental competitors.

Your rental policy if the most important document you share with your landlord. This is a binding contract and must be respected by both parties. Any changes to the policy must be handled in writing to protect all parties involved. Issues typically covered in apartment rental policies include:

• Rent amount and payment schedule, as well as any potential fees and charges related to late payments or bad checks.
• Rules and regulations regarding use of the building property and any shared or common areas, such as on-site laundry room, swimming pool, or gym.
• Rules and contractual obligations regarding roommates.
• Pet policy and related deposit agreements. Some policies put restrictions on the type, size, and number of pets allowed. Policies typically stipulate a one-time deposit to be paid per pet. Some of these policies are negotiable depending on the pet and landlord. Typically pet policies only restrict dogs and cats and do not apply to small caged animals like hamsters or fish. Be sure to ask your landlord, however, before you bring any animal into the building.
• Rules regarding noise, guests, smoking, and other living standards.

Compliance with your rental agreement is essential to maintaining a good relationship with your landlord and your neighbors. If you're unsure about any point in the policy or about your rental unit, ask ahead of time and get your landlord's response in writing. Keep good records, have courteous manners, and you'll make a great tenant.

Written Agreements Since you and your roommate need to be present when you apply for your apartment, you can both request copies of your rental agreement. Make sure you're both clear on the rules before you move in. Keep a copy posted on the fridge or by the front door if necessary.

Verbal Agreements-and Disagreements Living with another person requires you to be considerate of that person's space and feelings, and for them to respect you in the same ways. Clear communication about what you expect from each other is essential to keeping a peaceful living situation. Whether you're just getting to know each other or you've been friends for years, you and your roommate may need to sit down to put some rules in writing if your verbal arrangements aren't working out.

Be clear with each other about what's important-and not so important-to each of you. What can you least stand to live with? Dirty dishes? Loud music? What do you care less about? Do you not mind sharing your chips and cookies? Remember and respect these discussions. You're in a relationship with your roommate so you may occasionally encounter drama. But when you do, stop and ask yourself, "Does this really matter to me enough to argue about, or is there a compromise we can come up with?"

And remember, you both signed your rental agreement so you both need to have each other's backs when it comes to keeping your apartment in good condition and complying with the building regulations.