I would highly suggest a month to month or no lease arrangement if you can arrange it at first. I have done many of these and even though they may want to make rent a bit higher, at least you can get out of the apartment/condo quickly if needed if things aren’t to your liking. If not start with a 6-month lease, do not do a year lease immediately. Now there are exceptions if you are 100% sure you are in the area you want to settle in and maybe you are in a long-term relationship with a girl from that area, then maybe you want to sign the 1-year lease if it is a better deal. Make sure you fully understand the contract/lease before signing it. Also, if possible, try to have all utilities in the landlord’s name. Another thing, absolutely do not give out postdated checks for rent, come to any other arrangement but do not give out postdated checks for rent.
Two questions for you Gio:
1. Can you cancel if you decide you want your money back before the end of the month?
2. Why do you recommend against postdated checks?
Thank you,
1. You can break a contract/lease anytime and basically just lose your deposit, which is why I say don’t do postdated checks. If you cancel before end of lease they could potentially cash those still.
not potentially. legally can cash them and if you stop them subject to the crime of estafa.
Great post, very helpful!
Thanks Buddy!
Great post. You really helped me as I just signed a six month lease and gave one months deposit after the landlord wanted one year and two months. Thanks.
That is great David, I am happy it helped you out!