What can a renter do to protect against the “If only I’d known” syndrome? Doing your homework before you move in will significantly reduce the chance that you picked the wrong place. That means running the shower, flushing the toilet, and visiting the apartment at different times in the day. Do not forget to ask the neighbors if they have had any problems.

In looking for an apartment, you should ask many questions including:

• How often is the building cleaned and who cleans it?
• Are there any special conditions on the tenancy, such as no waterbeds, no pets, or no air conditioners?
• Who is the owner of the building; and is the building up for sale or condo conversion?
• Why is the apartment available and how long has it been empty?

Apartment Renting
Apartments and condominium complexes are located throughout Ventura’s communities. The complexes usually provide tenants parking spaces, laundry, a clubhouse, and sometimes swimming pools. Available rentals offer one or more of the following amenities: barbecues; television cable, hook-up, or satellite; covered parking or enclosed garages; handicap units; fireplaces; fitness facilities and trails; laundry facilities or hook-ups; patios or balconies; playgrounds; pools; recreation rooms; tennis courts; security systems; and spas or Jacuzzis.

Some apartment or condominium agencies also offer pet policies that allow for “small” pets. However, an extra deposit may be required for this service. Some of the rental complexes are gated, offering more security to their tenants. Tenants are issued keys or key cards for admittance into a gated complex.

Condominiums and Townhouses
Townhouses and condo have more to offer — a more permanent feel of a community and neighborhood. Young families, seniors and singles find renting condos fits better with their lifestyle. Although the number of condo complexes is limited, the larger communities provide better choices.

Rental Process
When you find the right place, you will be asked to fill out an application form and pay advance rent and a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. Be prepared to provide current references from landlords and employers; friends and colleagues, and a current copy of your credit report. If you do not have a copy of your credit report, you most likely will have to pay a small fee for the credit check.

Make sure the security deposit refund procedures are spelled out in your lease or rental agreement. To protect yourself, make sure your lease or rental agreement is clear on the use and refund of security deposits. Understand the lease and house rules before you decide to move in the unit.

Take photographs of your apartment when you move in and out in case a dispute with the landlord should arise. Pay attention when your landlord completes your move-in checklist. If your landlord does not note all the damage, you could be charged for it when you move out.

Renters’ Rights
Know your tenants’ rights to live in a habitable rental unit. Landlords are required to offer their tenants livable premises including adequate weatherproofing; heat, water and electricity; and clean, sanitary and structurally safe premises. If your rental unit is not kept in good repair, you have a number of options ranging from withholding a portion of the rent to pay for repairs to calling the building inspector to moving out without liability for your future rent.

Protect your privacy rights. If you understand what they are, for example, the amount of notice your landlord must provide before entering, it will be easier to protect them.

Save any documents related to the apartment, such as receipts for your monthly payments. Remember, you can ask your landlord to make repairs. However, put your request in writing and keep a copy for yourself. If he agrees orally, send a letter confirming this fact.

Keep communication lines open with your landlord. If something is broken, report it right away. If you can not pay the rent one month, do not expect the landlord will not notice your missing check.

Rental Insurance
Look around your apartment and imagine what it would be like if you lost everything in a fire. No, your landlord will not cover your possessions in case of theft or disaster. You need renters’ insurance.

Check with a local agent for information about purchasing an insurance policy to protect your valuables. Renters’ insurance typically costs $350 a year for a $50,000 policy that covers loss due to theft or damage caused by other people or natural disasters.

Signing a Lease
Signing a lease for an apartment or house is binding on your future. The lease is a legal agreement that states the monthly rent, the amount of security deposit, and a length of time you will live there, etc.

If you have a lease, you may find you want to move at a later time than when the lease expires. The best way to plan a move that does not coincide with the end of your lease is to negotiate a month-to-month rental agreement when your lease is up.

Many landlords do not mind changing to a month-to-month agreement after you have finished your first year’s lease. After all, it gives them the flexibility to raise your rent whenever they want.

Giving Notice
Most rental agreements work on a month-to-month basis. So you need to give your landlord 30 days notice before you move. But this does not mean you should mail your notice exactly 30 days before your departure. Depending on your local laws, your notice may have to arrive in your landlord’s mailbox at least 30 days before your move. So, to be safe, send your letter well in advance.