Once you have decided to rent an apartment, your landlord will ask you to sign a rental agreement called a lease. A lease is a legally binding agreement between a landlord and tenant. A lease must contain your name, the landlord's name, the address of the apartment, the amount of rent and the payment schedule. In addition, a lease may spell out the following:

• Rules for subletting
• Who is responsible for repairs
• Rules about pets
• Which appliances the landlord provides
• Who pays for heat and utilities
• What physical changes to the apartment you may or may not be allowed to make
• What happens if you have to break the lease

Read your lease carefully before you sign it. Find out exactly what you can expect from your landlord (in the way of repairs, for example) and get it in writing. Laws governing landlord/tenant requirements and relationships vary from state to state. If you have a dispute with your landlord, contact your state rental or housing agency to find out what remedies may be available to you.

It is a good idea to have an attorney available in case you want to add or delete certain provisions. For example, you might want to insert a clause that releases you from the lease if your employer transfers you out of town. Never sign a lease if you are uncomfortable with any part of it.