Signing a Lease

[Allenberg]

Alright, I'm kind of a cynic when it comes to getting ripped off, and here's my deal. I'm about to sign a 12 month lease for $550 a month for a two-bedroom apartment on the southside of Pittsburgh. My father-in-law checked it out, gave his seal of approval (I can't go see it myself being in Japan and all). The area is a nice area, and it includes all utilities, with the stove/heat being ran on gas (which is included). The only thing that kind of sucks is that I have to use a community laundry room. The realty company has been really helpful, with allowing me to PayPal them my security deposit (which was only $99, a spring promotion I guess), and application fee. My credit rating is pretty much in the fair range, but that wasn't a problem at all. I'm from the Pittsburgh area and am really looking forward to moving back.

How could I be getting screwed here?

EDIT: All utilities except electric.

[Beaverhausen]

1. You can't get a one room shithole for $550 here in Los Angeles

I can't believe you are getting 2 bedrooms for that. Lucky ducky!!!

[Zing Zing Zingbah]

2. Wow... that's cheap rent for a two bedroom.n/t

[Floogeldy]

3. It's difficult to advise you without reading the lease

Read it very carefully and make sure you understand it.

[tammywammy]

4. Make sure there's a way to get out of it

I know a girl (who's not the brightest) and didn't read the lease the whole way through. Well, turns out this apartment was a lot more than she could really afford (not that I think you're doing anything of the sort). You pretty much had to die or join the military to get out of it, she finally sub-leased the place but even that was difficult to do.

Just in case something happens, where you'll need to move (like losing your job or you suddenly need to move across the country for your job) that there's a way to be able to do it. After I lost my job and moved home the only penalty I had was that I had to pay for another month's rent when I wasn't living there (it could have been worse).

Otherwise, if you've read over the fine print, and are satisfied, seems like a good deal.

[Floogeldy]

9. That might be difficult

The very essence of a lease is that both parties are bound by its terms, absent very extraordinary circumstances (and getting a job elsewhere isn't one of them). It is almost impossible to get out of a lease, in my state, anyway.

If the tenant leaves, usually the landlord has to take certain steps to try to find a new lessee. But the tenant is usually going to be liable for the months the place sits vacant (or until the term of the lease has expired).

[tammywammy]

13. The last time I rented, it was 3 months rent

But I got off easy. I was just saying, to make sure that there's a monetary penalty, as opposed to the girl I know where it was either you died or joined the military (there was no monetary penalty that you could pay).

I just know that sometimes things do come up within a couple of years where you may need to get out of a lease.

[benny05]

5. If U Know Your Area...

That is one thing, but would if it in change of safety and rents had changed since you left? Do you need a spot for you and your spouse's car (even if it was one car) for a sticker? And does 2 bd rooms, even if they are small (which I presume they are) work for you as a couple? Do you have an AC unit? If not, will you have to buy one this summer?

[purr]

6. Hi neighbor :)

I'm not sure about the leases.. but I'm only 30 min from Pittsburgh. Nice to see someone around me on here!

[Bunny]

7. Oh, I'm in Westmoreland County too!

Howdy! :hi:

[purr]

12. Hi!!

:hi: edit: i forget smilie codes :)

[Bunny]

8. $550 for a two-bedroom, that includes all utilities?

On the South Side? Damn, how could you go wrong? If your F-I-L looked at it and says it's okay, sounds like you got a good deal. Hard to see the downside of it.

[Allenberg]

10. Well, I'm waiting for the realtor

to send me the lease. Once I get it, I think I'll just take it over to the base legal office. Having free legal help is nice. :D

[warrens]

11. Sign

Nearly NO ONE pays ANY utilities. That is at least $100 a month. Just sign it.