Step-by-step scenario

I'm renting my first place

Signing a lease, turning the lights on, and getting your deposit back without surprises.

1. 1

   What is a lease?

   Read what you're signing before you sign it.

   The agreement that defines the basic deal between a tenant and a landlord.

2. 2

   Setting up utilities and keeping them on

   Get the lights, water, and internet on in your name.

   Electricity, gas, water, and internet are separate accounts with separate rules. Most surprises come from deposits, transfer timing, and shutoff notices.

3. 3

   When rent can be raised

   Know when and how the rent can change.

   Whether and when a landlord can raise the rent depends on your lease type, your state, and sometimes your city.

4. 4

   Getting your security deposit back

   Plan now for getting the deposit back later.

   A security deposit is your money on hold. Most states have rules about how, when, and why a landlord can keep some or all of it.