Signing your first apartment lease: what to check
Read the whole lease before you sign. Check rent, the due date, late fees, the deposit and which utilities you pay; the lease length, auto-renewal, notice to move out and the cost to break it; and who handles repairs, landlord entry, pets, guests and roommates. Question unfair clauses and get changes in writing. Photograph the place at move-in, and never send money before seeing it and confirming the owner.
Your checklist
- Read the whole lease
- Check rent, fees, deposit and utilities
- Check length, renewal and breaking it
- Check repairs, entry, pets and guests
- Document the place at move-in
- Never pay before seeing it
Rather read it? Here’s the whole thing.
It’s a contract
A lease is legally binding, often for 12 months. Read every page and ask about anything unclear before signing.
The money
Rent, due date, how you pay, late fees and any grace period, the security deposit and how it’s returned, and which utilities you pay.
The time
Lease length, whether it renews automatically, how much notice you must give before moving out, and what happens if you need to leave early.
The rules
Who handles repairs and how to request them, how much notice the landlord gives before entering, and rules on pets, guests, parking, roommates and subletting.
Unfair clauses
Some clauses, like giving up your right to repairs, may not be enforceable under your state’s law. Ask questions, and get any changes in writing, signed by both of you.
Before you move in
Take dated photos and video, and fill out a move-in checklist. Keep a signed copy of the lease. Many leases require renters insurance.
Avoid scams
Never wire money or pay a deposit before seeing the place and confirming who owns it. Be wary of prices far below market.
Official sources, and where to look
- HUD: renting help and tenant rightshud.gov
- FTC consumer advice: rental listing scamsconsumer.ftc.gov
- CFPB: rentingconsumerfinance.gov
[your state] tenant rights handbook[your city] tenant union
Common questions
Can I break my lease early?
Usually, but you may owe rent or a fee as the lease says. Some states let you leave early for reasons like military duty or domestic violence, and many require landlords to try to re-rent. More ›
Do I need a co-signer?
If you have little credit or income history, a landlord may ask for a co-signer or a larger deposit. Ask what they accept. More ›
What should I look for in a lease before signing?
Rent and fees, the deposit, utilities, lease length and renewal, notice to move out, the cost to break it, repair responsibilities, landlord entry, and rules on pets and guests. More ›
Can a landlord change the lease after I sign?
Generally not during the lease term without your agreement, unless the lease allows certain changes. Get any changes in writing. More ›
What is an auto-renewal clause?
A term that renews the lease automatically unless you give notice by a set date. Note the deadline on your calendar. More ›
How much notice does a landlord need to enter?
Many states require reasonable notice, often around 24 hours, except in emergencies. Check your lease and state law. More ›
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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.