Many people choose to rent an apartment. They might need a temporary place to stay, can't afford to buy, or have a specific need that requires they rent. Renting is a great option for many, but if you are not careful you might get yourself into trouble. Here are a couple ways that you can protect yourself if you choose to rent.

1. Take Pictures before You Move In

Generally when you move into a rental unit, the landlord will have you fill out a document stating things that were amiss or broken. This is so when you move out you won't be blamed for any damage that you didn't cause. This is a very important document, and you should not delay filling it out. If for some reason the landlord does not ask you to fill it out, you should do it yourself.

In addition to writing down any problems you might notice, take pictures. Take pictures of the room that you are staying in, the bathroom, the kitchen, and anything that might be amiss. That way you won't have to pay for damage you didn't cause.

2. Be Clear about Renters Insurance

The landlord should have insurance that will protect their property, but they will usually not have insurance that protects you. This means if the apartment happens to burn down, the landlord collects on all of their money lost on the property. However, unless you have your own insurance policy you would not get any restitution for your damages in lost property. This means that nothing inside the house is insured.

In most rental contracts you will notice that you are required to have renters insurance. If you fail to get the insurance you could be in a world of trouble. It should be noted that renters insurance is generally very affordable.

3. Know the Grounds for Eviction

In your rental contract there will be clauses that state why or how they can evict you. It is very important that you are clear on these terms. For instance, if they say you can't smoke in the apartment, or you can't have pets you need to follow these rules. In addition, late payments or lack of payments can be a reason to get evicted. This is why it is so important that you know what to avoid so that you don't have an eviction on your record and are not left homeless. For more information, talk to a professional like Bonita Terrace Apartments.