Page 45 - UMKC Parent and Family Insider

Review the lease carefully
For most students, this will be their
irst experience with a detailed legal document. A landlord may require a parent co-signer if the student doesn’t have a rental or credit history. In my son’s case, his father and I insisted he send us a copy of the lease so we could review it.
Be clear about the following:
Take photos before moving in
Your student should document the condition of the house or apartment, and in particular their room, when the lease
is signed. Pay special attention to stains on the ceiling, holes in walls, a cracked bathroom sink, etc. so that, if there is
a dispute at the end of the lease, your student can prove their case and get their security deposit back.
Purchase renter’s insurance
In the event of ire, burglary, water damage and so on, renter’s insurance is essential to cover the cost of lost property, including valuable items like laptops and bicycles.
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What’s required up front in addition to a security deposit? First and last month’s rent?
What dates does the lease cover?
What utilities are provided (heat, water, garbage collection, etc.)?
What are tenants’ responsibilities for upkeep (lawn mowing, maintenance, snow removal, etc.)?
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