1. Does the landlord make repairs when requested?
   
2. Does the landlord respect your privacy and otherwise treat tenants with respect?
   
3. Does the land lord keep his promises?
   
4. Would you rent from this landlord again?
   
5. Would you rent this house again and what did you wish you had know about the landlord, the house or apartment or the neighborhood that you only learned after signing the lease?
   

2. If the property you seek to rent is within the city limits of Carbondale, ask the landlord what is the property zoned. Properties zoned “R-1” can only be occupied by a maximum of two unrelated individuals. Call Development Services Department of the City of Carbondale, at 457-3235 to verify the zoning.

3. Request the prospective landlord provide you a copy of the lease to take with you and review before you sign it. Students' Legal Assistance will review leases free of charge for SIUC students. If the landlord refuses to provide you a copy of the proposed lease, take your business elsewhere. Make a copy of the lease for your records.

4. Make sure you understand the lease fully BEFORE you sign it. Be aware of charges in addition to rent. Often additional fees are imposed for rent paid late, lawn mowing, trash pickup, service calls, utility bills, use of furniture or appliances, pets, overnight guests, parking permits, cleaning expenses, replacement or repair expenses, subletting and violations of various lease clauses, including failure to give proper notice of intent not to renew a lease. Some landlords further require that the tenants’ parents sign the lease as guarantors. Ask the land lord if the lease requires guarantors to sign and if there are any additional charges if none can be provided.

• Remember, if the lease says one thing and the landlord has promised something to the contrary, the lease will generally supercede. All agreements between you and the landlord should be included, in writing, in the lease.
  

5. Never put a deposit down to hold a dwelling unit unless you are prepared to lose it if you change your mind. Many landlords will not return deposits in this situation, even if you have not yet signed a lease.

6. Start looking for housing at least 7 months before you plan to move in. The best housing is often rented many months in advance. If you wait too long your choices may be very limited.

7. If you have any further questions, ask an attorney before you sign the lease. Ask us - - stop by our office or call us and make an appointment if you would like us to review your lease before you sign.