Two words: Scrutinize your lease. If you noticed that was actually three words, good work. You are well on your way to being able to scrutinize a lease. Take the time to read your lease thoroughly and carefully. Don?t take your landlord?s verbal version as the truth about what?s really in there. Because once you sign, the terms are legally binding.

Landlords and rental companies are allowed to include any provisions they want. Even if that means turning off your water once a week. So before you have to go shower-less 4 times a month, take the extra time to completely understand the document.

Don't feel awkward if your potential landlord or apartment company representative stands impatiently over you. You are in control. They aren't paying you; you're paying them. If they're too impatient to wait for you to sign the lease, take your business elsewhere. Money talks. In fact, sometimes it screams. All those things you?re silently thinking.

If you don't understand a clause, ask for clarifications. If you don't agree with a provision, see if you and your landlord can compromise. If you want to make or request changes to the lease, both you and the landlord should initial them. Don?t settle for verbal agreements. It only takes one shifty landlord to spoil the bunch, and there?s more than one out there with sketchy lease in hand.

Save a copy of the final lease signed by you and the owner or manager. This document is the most important document to help you if there?s any disagreement about the apartment or anything related to it. Just in case?