Don't Be Fooled: Essential Things to Know about New York City Apartment Rental Contracts

Renting a house on contract in New York is quite difficult, for you may not necessarily get the house you want in the first. If you do not want getting an apartment into a nightmare, then a checklist will help you to get the house you want to rent.

Step one: impress the landlord as when you have a great apartment there will be lot of checks to be passed off, like referrals from previous landlords, your credit history, referrals by your employers and friends.

Step two: Fees and deposits will let you know how much exactly you have to pay up-front for the apartment and is good to be prepared beforehand. "key money" are illegal and security deposits will not cost more than one month's rent.

Step three is asking to lease the apartment for a fixed rent for a fixed term period as this prevents you from the landlord evicting you out of the house for no proper reason.

Step four is to read the lease agreement and examine carefully various issues like: the rental address, amount and the landlord; the amenities in the house on agreement; due date for payment of rent and late charges if any; billing of utilities; special rules for the safety of the building and pets; and ending of lease term.

Step five is to check as who will be on the lease and if you are going to sign, then you will be more protected than the other members of the household. It is good to have everyone on the lease, as when primary tenant leaves the house, then you need permission to stay in the house. Other issues will include the roommates, stabilized rent and landlord's right to access.