Today’s rental market is much different than it was just a few years ago. New laws have created an even playing field for tenants and landlords, which means you need to strike while the iron is hot when looking for a new place to rent. That’s why it’s important to hire number one tenant lawyer Los Angeles if you are planning on signing a lease any time soon. Even though most of your friends probably won’t admit it, leasing an apartment is a serious commitment and something you will likely do for the next several years. Let’s face it: Apartments aren’t cheap, so before signing anything you should consult with an attorney who specializes in real estate as well as residential contracts and leases. This blog post covers 3 key considerations when hiring a tenant lawyer in Los

Know Your Rights

Before going into a lease, know your rights as a tenant. This will allow you to better find the best fit for you. If the apartment you want to rent doesn’t have any parking spaces, but you drive, you should know that you have the right to negotiate for a parking space. Even if the landlord doesn’t want to provide one, you have the right to ask for it in the lease. Knowing your rights will help you get the apartment you want, even if it doesn’t have the amenities you want. Depending on the state you live in, you may also be able to negotiate for things like a shorter lease term, cheaper rent, or a higher deposit. For example, in California, you can ask for a shorter lease term if you’ve been offered lower rent. You can’t negotiate for a higher rent, but a landlord may be willing to reduce the lease term to get a more reliable, long-term tenant.

Check the Fine Print

Before you sign the lease, do a thorough review of the fine print. Don’t just look at the “terms and conditions” section at the end of the lease. Look through the entire lease to make sure there are no terms you don’t agree with. For example, if you’re signing a Fixed-Term Lease, it may not allow you to sublease your apartment to a subtenant if you need to move out early. It’s also important to look through your roommate agreement to make sure you’re on the same page. Take note of things like cleaning schedules, noise levels, and utilities. You should also check to see if the apartment is subject to rent control. This could help you negotiate for a lower rent. You should also make sure you’re aware of any fees associated with the lease, like a security deposit.

Hire a Reputable Property Management Company

One major challenge when renting in Los Angeles is finding a good property management company. The best way to find a reputable property management company is to talk to your friends who have previously rented in Los Angeles. You should also check with the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has any complaints on record. You don’t want to hire a company that has had a lot of complaints in the past. Before you sign a lease, you should make sure that the property management company will take care of all the major maintenance issues, as well as small things like keeping the landscaping up to code. You also want to make sure that the company will provide you with a 24-hour maintenance line, so you can report issues when they arise.

Find Out What’s Included and Excluded in the Lease

When deciding on a specific apartment, look at the fine print of the lease to make sure it’s the right fit for you. If you’re signing a Fixed-Term Lease, find out when your lease expires. This will allow you to plan accordingly and make sure you’re not in the apartment after it expires. If you’re signing a Month-to-Month Lease, make sure the lease has a “cure period,” where the landlord has a specified amount of time to correct any violations. This will give you some protection in case the landlord doesn’t address the violations promptly. Most leases include a laundry list of things that are included in the lease, like water, electricity, and internet. Make sure the lease includes all the services you want and make sure it doesn’t include anything you don’t want.

Negotiate for a Flexible Move-in Date and Month

If you’re signing a Fixed-Term Lease, you can save money by negotiating for a flexible move-in date and month. You can negotiate for a higher security deposit to compensate for the fact that you won’t be in the apartment on the first day you’re expected to be there. You can also negotiate to pay rent on the first of the month, instead of the fifth. This will allow you to get into the apartment faster and pay the security deposit sooner.

Conclusion

When looking for a new apartment, it’s important to hire a tenant lawyer in Los Angeles. This will allow you to better understand your rights and negotiate a favorable lease. When it comes to leasing an apartment, you need to strike while the iron is hot. That’s why it’s important to hire a tenant lawyer in Los Angeles if you are planning on signing a lease any time soon.