Metro Fair Housing Helpful Tips

THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU SIGN YOUR LEASE.

Utilities
Rent Payment Issues

Policy Issues

Administrative Issues

Application Issues
Miscellaneous Issues

Utilities

Are any utilities included in the monthly rent?
How are tenants charged for water?
Does each unit have a water meter?
How is water usage calculated?
Are tenants charged for sewage?
When is trash collected?
Is the unit all-electric?

Rent Payment Issues

When is rent due?
How many days after the rent is due are late fees charged?
What is the policy for partial payments?
What method of payment is accepted?
Where should the rent payment be submitted?

Policy Issues

What is the roommate policy?
What is the policy regarding pets?
What is the policy regarding satellite dishes?
What are the policies regarding common areas and recreational facilities?
What are the parking and towing policies?
What is the policy regarding noise?
What happens if I'm locked out of my apartment?
What is the policy regarding changing the locks?

Administrative Issues

Who owns the complex?
Who is the property manager?
What happens if the complex goes into foreclosure?
Is security provided?
Is there a representative from management on-site 24 hours?
How are maintenance issues handled?
Is the tenant responsible for any maintenance costs?

Appliance Issues

Who is responsible for providing appliances?
Is the unit air-conditioned?
Does the landlord provide a smoke detector?

Miscellaneous Issues

Can I see the actual unit that I'm going to rent?
Is the complex in a flood zone?
Have there been flooding issues in the past?
Who is responsible for pest control?
Have there been problems with bed bugs in the past? 

 Mortgage Couseling Clients

Before you visit a housing counselor, check with the counselor to see what documents you will need to expedite the meeting. At the very least you should bring notices you have received from your mortgage company and be able to prepare a budget with backup documentation including copies of your bills and proof of income. 

 Housing Discrimination Clients

Please bring the following documents to your housing discrimination appointment:

Proof of income (check stub, tax return, award letter, etc.)
Any documentation from the housing provider (lease, letters, emails, etc.)
Any documentation that supports your discrimination claim (photos, letters, emails, text messages, etc.)