What to do to avoid a landlord fight...before it begins

Want to avoid arguments with your landlord?  We have some advice on how to avoid trouble before it starts.

1.  Be prepared.  No this isn't the boy scouts..but if you bring stuff along with you when you meet your prospective landlords, you'll have a leg up on the competition.  Stuff like a completed rental app., references from employers and past landlords, friends & colleagues, and a copy of your credit report.

2.  Read through the fine print.  It's very important to review all the tenancy conditions before you agree to rent.  If you spot any restrictions on guests, pets, or modifications to the apartment be sure to ask questions.

3.  Write everything down.  Keep copies of any correspondence and follow up an oral agreement with a letter, setting out your understanding. For example, if you ask your landlord to make repairs, put your request in writing and keep a copy for yourself. If he agrees orally, send a letter confirming this fact.

4.  Keep the lines of communication open.  If you notice your landlord is slow to respond to problems, open your mouth and say something.  ort of a nasty legal battle.

5.  Safety first!  Find out whether your building and neighborhood are safe, and what you can expect the landlord's responsibilities are it if they aren't.

6.  Protect your privacy rights.  Before the landlord just barges into your place because he/she has a key, be completely aware of your privacy rights and when a landord can enter a rental unit.

7.  Know your rights as a tenant.  We mean the right to adequate weatherproofing; heat, water and electricity; and clean, sanitary and structurally safe premises.

8.  Purchase renters' insurance to cover your valuables.  This may seem like a tough thing to do, especially if you're a college student and you barely have money to eat, but it's worth it.  A renters' insurance policy covers loss due to theft or damage caused by other people or natural disasters.  In Western New York, that means a snow storm.

9.  Do you know what could get you a refund on your security deposit?  Know this in advance. 

10. Know when to fight an eviction notice--and when to give up and move.  Unless you have the law and provable facts on your side, fighting an eviction notice is usually a winless battle. If you lose an eviction lawsuit, you may end up in serious debt and face a negative credit rating.

Good luck, and know that a little advance preparation will go a long way to avoiding headaches in the long run.