Before You Lease

• Check the furnace, plumbing and any appliances that come with the apartment.
• Are there enough electrical outlets and lights?
• Is the wiring adequate to handle several appliances?
• Are storm windows, screens and shades provided?
• Are the floors solid, without holes or splinters?
• Are the walls and ceilings painted, papered and without cracks?
• Are the doors, windows and entrances to the building secured?
• Are the stairs safe and well-lit?
• Are the fire escapes easily accessible?
• Are there fire alarms and/or sprinklers?
• Are there at least two means of egress from the second floor and above?
• Is the apartment quiet or can you hear those next to, above or below you?
• Is there evidence of rodents or insects?
• Who pays for an exterminator?
• Ask others in the building about any negative aspects of living there.
• Ask previous occupants about aspects of living there.
• If the apartment is furnished, check for, record and save a list of all defects in the furniture.
• What is the cost of any utilities you may be responsible for paying? You may want to ask others in the building or previous tenants rather than accepting a landlord’s estimates.
• Is the apartment currently rented out to someone else or is being offered to someone else?
• Have all of your potential roommates read the lease?
• How safe is the area?
• Make and keep a list of all existing damages or repairs that need to be made.
• Keep a copy of the list of existing damages or repairs and then give one to your landlord and attach a copy to the lease if you sign one.
• If possible, the list of damages should be signed and dated by the landlord.
• When you move out, such records will assure that your security deposit will only be applied to damages for which you are responsible.

Please Note: By City of Scranton ordinance, no more than four unrelated persons may share an apartment.