Thinking about renting, or recently moved into a condo or apartment?

Here are important tips to keep in mind about renting, from move in to move out.

1. Review the lease
Carefully review all of the conditions of your rental agreement before signing. It is especially important to know your lease term (typically 1 year), when the rent is due (and the policy regarding late payment), restrictions regarding pets, and if there is a guest policy.

2. Purchase Renters’ Insurance
Make sure to get Renters’ Insurance. Rentals, especially in Downtown San Diego, require this because your landlord’s insurance policy will not cover your losses due to theft or damage. Renters’ insurance also covers you if you’re sued by someone who claims to have been injured in your rental due to your carelessness. Insurance plans can start around $16-30/month based on coverage.

3. Protect your security deposit
When moving in, make sure to fill out a Move-in form with the landlord to record existing damage. At move-out, comparisons will be done to survey if any other damages have occured. At Dannecker & Associates, we make sure all these documents are taken care of properly so there is no confusion between landlords and tenants.

4. Schedule your move in
A move in requires the coordination and consideration of many people. Make sure to schedule schedule your move in with the Home Owner’s Association, at least one week in advance to your move in date. There are usually charges or deposits required and they will want insurance paperwork from the moving company for liability purposes.

5. Talk to your landlord and get everything in writing
Keep communication open with your landlord. If there’s a problem, first try to come to to a resolution, to avoid a legal battle. Get everything in writing to avoid disputes. Keep copies of all correspondence and follow up an oral agreement with a letter, setting out your understandings.

6. Know your rights
Even though you don’t own your home, you still have rights. A good example is if your landlord allows the property to be sold in foreclosure. According to The California Department of Consumer Affairs, “State law provides that a tenant in possession of a rental housing unit at the time a property is sold in foreclosure shall be given 60 days’ written notice to quit before the tenant may be removed from the property. However, if your lease was signed before the deed of trust or mortgage was recorded, your lease will not be set aside by the foreclosure.”

See our Property Management page for more landlord & tenant information.