A few things you should know before signing an apartment lease. A THREAD:

Ask the leasing office if everyone in the apartment are on individual leases because you do not want to be responsible for your roommates’ rent when they don’t pay for it.

Find out what utilities are included in the rent. (Electricity, WiFi, garbage, AC, heating, etc). Check if there is a fee for parking and if they have guest parking for your family/friends when they visit.

Aim to get an apartment that includes a washer and dryer because it is so convenient and it is such a luxury. If the washer and dryer is not available, check to see if there is a laundromat on site and how much it is to wash and dry

Ask if they have any move-in specials and if the rent is prorated when you move in. A prorated rent is when they start charging you rent the day you move in instead of the entire month (if you moved in 10/14 make sure the move in fees are from 10/14-10/31, instead of 10/01-10/31)

Roommates: there is not much a property manager can do if you do not get along with your roommates. Therefore, before moving in with your roommates establish if you guys want to share food, pots and pans, dishes, etc..

Check with your roommate to see if they are ok with having people over, drinking and smoking, or setting a monthly cleaning schedule.

A lease is a contract between you and the landlord/ property mgr. You cannot leave whenever you want to because you are financially responsible for the lease until someone legally buys it