Renting Tips and Questions
As you look for rental housing, please ask the following questions of prospective landlords or property managers. Learn as much as you can about a place before you submit a rental application or sign a lease. Don't forget to get receipts for money paid. And also, remember keep a copy of all correspondence between you and your landlord/property manager.
1. Rent
How much is monthly rent?
How many of us may rent and live at this rental address?
May I rent from you for a twelve-month, nine-month, or lesser time period?
Where and when must the rent be paid? If rent is paid after that date, do you charge a late fee? How much is it?
If one month's rent is late, does the lease contain an acceleration clause that causes all remaining rent to become due and payable?
May each roommate pay his/her portion of the rent with separate checks?
If my roommate leaves during the lease, who's responsible for paying that share of the rent?
2. What do I pay for?
heat? (electric, gas, or oil)
water/sewer?
hot water?
parking? (What about guest parking?)
air conditioning?
garbage collection?
repairs of any kind? If so, why?
pets? (Are pets allowed at all?)
cable TV?
3. Lease Applications
Must prospective tenants submit an application for a lease?
Is a fee required with my application? If so, what happens to that money?
Does the act of submitting an application commit me and/or my parents to sign a lease?
What are my obligations if my application is accepted?
Can you give me a copy of the lease at this time?
4. Security Deposits
How much is the security deposit? When must it be paid? When is it returned, or may it be used as my last month's rent?
Do I receive interest on the deposit?
What must I do to have my security deposit returned in full?
Which bank will hold my security deposit?
5. Lease Obligations
Who is the landlord and/or the landlord's property manager?
What are their addresses?
Will the lease be written or oral?
What rules and regulations must I follow upon signing the lease?
How much notice is needed to renew or terminate the lease?
6. Lease Guarantee
Will my rent payments have to be guaranteed? If so, why and by whom?
7. Escalator Clause
Does the lease contain escalator clauses that could cause my rent to increase during the lease period? For example, are energy-cost increases passes on to the tenant?
In previous years, were such assessments made; and if so, by what amount did they exceed the base rental figure?
8. Subletting
May I sublet or assign my lease?
May I find someone who is willing to make a new lease and end my responsibility?
Must you approve my sub lessee or assignee?
Will you assist me in finding a sub lessee or someone willing to assume a new lease?
Are fees charged for these options?
9. Lease Termination
Is notice required to terminate or renew the lease, or will it automatically renew for another year? When must notice be given and in what form?
If the lease automatically terminates, will I have the first right to renew it?
Is it possible to terminate the lease before the stated date? What fee, if any, is charged for early termination? How much notice is required for early termination? In what form?
10. Facilities
Is the apartment furnished or unfurnished?
Are a stove and refrigerator provided?
Are drapes and curtains provided?
Are there screens on the doors? Windows? Sliding glass door?
Is there a fire extinguisher in the apartment? Are there smoke alarms? How often are they checked or tested?
Has the apartment been insulated or weather-stripped for more energy efficiency? What are the average heating/cooling bills?
Is a laundry available on the premises? If no, where is the closest laundromat?
Is a storage area outside of the apartment provided? how is access to the area obtained? Is a fee charged?
Is indoor or outdoor bicycle storage provided? Does a bicycle have to be registered? If so, with whom?
11. Parking
How many parking spaces are provided per apartment? How do I get a parking space? Is a fee charged?
If I pay for parking, is it assigned? What if someone parks in my space or the lot is full?
Can my guests park in the lot? Is there a designated guest parking area?
12. Neighborhood Services
Is a super market within walking distance? Is a corner grocery store within walking distance?
How accessible is public transportation? Do you provide a bus pass for public transportation?
If public transportation is unavailable, does the apartment supply bus service?
What are the hours of bus service to and from town/campus/shopping?
13. Neighbors
Who are the other tenants in the building/apartment complex? Will we be compatible?
Are building quiet hours imposed? How are they enforced?
14. Repairs (paid by the landlord)
How do I notify you of emergency repairs during the work day, on weekends, and after office hours?
Do you have an on-site maintenance staff to handle normal repair requests?
How soon after my request will repairs be made?
If I want something special done, may I request that you do it if I am willing to pay for it (e.g., paint my apartment a color other than standard white)?
15. Right of Entry
How much advance notice will I receive before your staff comes to make repairs or conduct an inspection?
Do I have to let someone in if doing so is inconvenient?
If I am not renewing my lease, will I have to allow people in to see my apartment? How about if I am renewing?
16. Security
Do you change the locks at no charge between tenants moving out and moving in of tenants? Is there a charge for keys?
Do you have a dead-bolt lock or other secure locking device that operates only from inside the apartment on all doors?
Do you have a mechanical locking device operated only from inside the apartment, other than those manufactured as part of the window or door, on all windows and sliding glass doors?
If I wish to install a dead-bolt lock or other locking device, may I do it? Will there be a charge?
Do you have a peephole or viewer in solid doors that enables the tenant to see who is at the door before opening it?
If I lose my key and want either another key or the lock changed, is there a charge? If so, how much?
17. Moving In
What is the earliest date I may move in?
May I move in earlier if the present tenant leaves early? Do I need the tenant's written permission to do so? Is there a fee for moving in early? If so, do I pay you or the tenant?
If my apartment is not ready, clean, or in good repair, who is responsible? When will the repairs or cleaning be done?
18. Damage Report
Will someone help me complete the damage report when I move in or out?
How much time is allowed to report damage that was not initially apparent (e.g., a broken refrigerator-shelf support that won't stay up when groceries are put on it)?
19. Visitors
Does the lease contradict a tenant's legal right to have visitors for a "reasonable time"? Does it attempt to define "reasonable time"?
20. Renter's Insurance
Do I need to purchase it or do you provide it?
Security Checklist
Please use this checklist to help you decide about the security/safety of the off-campus housing you are considering. Visit the neighborhood during the day and at night.
Check the following items:
Exterior:
Are the buildings and grounds well maintained?
Are the grounds manicured?
Are common areas neat? Is trash lying around?
Are the entryways, sidewalks, and parking areas well lit? Are they visible from the street?
Are the residents' names (first and last) printed on the mailboxes?
Are the mailboxes lockable and in good condition?
Parking:
Are the parking lots and surrounding streets free of abandoned cars?
Is available parking close to your door?
Is there room to park closer to your door at night and on weekends?
Doorways/ Windows:
What kind of security is at the entrance?
Does your property door have a peephole?
Can police or passersby see the entryway?
It should be well lighted at night.
Are the doors and windows easily visible and not obscured by trees and bushes?
Are curtains, shades or blinds provided?
Do the doors and windows have sturdy locks?
The windows should also have key locks.
The door should have hinges on the inside, not the outside.
The door should have a deadbolt lock. Chain locks and knob locks are not sufficient.
The door should fit tightly in the frame. No more than 1/8" clearance
Other Considerations:
Are the laundry doors locked?
Does the apartment complex provide security services such as security patrol? Safety escort?
Does the policy on lending keys protect your security?
Talk to your prospective neighbors. Do they feel safe?
What does the local police department say about the rate and type of crime in the neighborhood?
Is the turnover rate relatively low? A high turnover may indicate problems.
Do you know your roommates' security habits?
No matter how careful you are, your property won't be secure if your roommates leave the door unlocked.
If you have any further questions after completing this checklist, you may call your local police crime prevention officer.
In an emergency, always call 911!
Never put ID tags on your key ring/holder. If thieves get your keys, they will find your home easily.
Saucon Valley Police Department
Dial 911 for Emergencies
Non-Emergency: (610) 282-3064
Fax: (610) 282-0345
Police Department Headquarters
5500 Camp Meeting Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
Business Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., Monday–Friday
Robert E. Coyle, Chief of Police
The Upper Saucon Township Police Department operates out of the Township Municipal Building located at 5500 Camp Meeting Road. The Department is comprised of 17 full-time officers (two of whom are investigators), one K-9 unit, a Police Clerk and a Chief of Police. In addition to 24-hour patrol services and crime investigation, the Department participates in a regional DUI task force, sponsors a local D.A.R.E. program and oversees a community service program for first time juvenile offenders.
Selecting a Roommate
You have every right to enjoy yourself in your apartment; however, so does your roommate. Conflicts can arise over differences in lifestyle compatibility. Characteristics and traits that are amusing or tolerable on a casual basis may not be so on an everyday basis. While all roommate relationships will have conflict at one time or another, it is important to determine those areas that are most important to you and in which you are not willing to compromise.
Here are some areas that require discussion before becoming roommates:
Morality
It is best to find a roommate somewhat similar to yourself on these issues. Questions regarding overnight guests, drinking alcohol, profanity, persons of different race/nationality/religion/sexual orientation, etc., should be discussed. Will differences not only be tolerated but be respected?
Cleanliness
One person's untidiness is another person's filth. What is your definition of clean? How often and to what level of cleanliness is expected to be performed and by whom?
Roommate as a Friend
Are you interested in a roommate only in regards to the living arrangements or do you want to have a social companion? No matter how well you get along with each other, there will be times when each of will prefer not to be in the other's company. You need to be able to recognize and discuss these times honestly.
Conflict Resolution
How each of you handles the difficult situations, disagreements, and annoyances will best determine how well you will live together. Develop a scenario of conflict and ask how each would respond to it. Ask your potential roommate how he/she has handled problems in an interpersonal relationship.
Pets, Children and Visitors
What is the expectation of quiet time and privacy? How often, if at all, will your roommate or you be bringing others in to the household? Will any of the above be left unattended or become the responsibility of the other.
Sleep Patterns and Schedules
Are you a night owl or is your motto "early to bed, early to rise"? Discussions regarding personal quiet and study times as well as school and work schedules are imperative.
Cooking and Food
If the food items and/or cooking are to be shared, you need to determine the food preferences and habits of each other. Vegetarian or meat eater? If it is to be separate, you need to set boundaries in regards to the storing and borrowing of food items as well as kitchen respect.
You as a Roommate
One of the most important areas to explore is how you see yourself as a roommate. Are you really as neat and tidy as you think you are? Be honest with yourself as to who you are, your likes and dislikes, and what you can tolerate and what you cannot.
Trust your Gut!
Roommate Compatibility and Other Pertinent Questions
These questions can be used as a discussion tool to help you explore your similarities and dissimilarities and in no way guarantees a match between you and your future roommate(s). It is imperative that roommates be able talk about any differences. In any roommate living relationship, the people and situations may change, and further discussions may need to be held periodically throughout the year.
What is your major and year? How many courses will you be taking? Are you taking courses online, and do you require quiet time to take the class? Do you work and when?
How will we split/pay the bills? What are your other financial obligations? What will we do if one of us cannot pay a bill on time as expected? Do you have renter's insurance?
Do you any allergies or medical conditions of which I need to be aware? What medications do you take? What will I need to do or whom do I contact in case of your medical emergency?
How many hours/day do you spend studying at home? At another location? Do you need silence or do you prefer music or television as background noise?
What kind of music do you like? How loud and how often will you play music? What television programs and movies do you like?
Do you smoke cigarettes? If yes, how much? Will your guests smoke when visiting?
Do you drink alcohol? If yes, how much and how often? Do you disapprove of those who drink alcohol? Will your guests drink alcohol when visiting?
Do you approve of drugs? Do you use drugs? Will your guests use drugs when visiting?
Do you like to party? Do you like to have parties? How often and how many guests?
Do you mind if roommates have visitors and overnight guests? How long is the maximum acceptable time in which guests can stay? Do you have a significant other? Do you have pets?
What is your definition of neat, messy, clean and dirty? How will we split cleaning responsibilities? Do you recycle?
What's you policy on sharing or use of the other's property? What if items/property become damaged?
When you get angry, what do you usually do? Do you talk it out, avoid the conflict, yell?
Penn State University Housing Disclaimer
The Pennsylvania State University makes no representation whatsoever regarding the housing or the landlords listed through this office/site. The properties listed are done so at the request of the landlords to assist students in locating possible off-campus housing opportunities. Students are responsible to inspect the property and negotiate lease terms with any landlord. The Pennsylvania State University has not inspected or investigated these listings or landlords in any way and is not endorsing any specific properties or landlords for students by this listing. The Pennsylvania State University disclaims any responsibility, among other things, for the condition of any premises, terms of any leases, treatment by any landlord, or compliance with any applicable local zoning ordinances.