Lease Basics
What is a Lease?
A legal agreement between tenant and landlord.
Name one cost besides rent students often forget.
Utilities/WiFi/Parking/Groceries.
Red flag or not? “I’ll Venmo you later.”
Yes
What do landlords often check?
Credit Score
Lease has clear rules, fixed rent, and good landlord reviews. Sign or pass?
Sign
How long is a standard apartment lease?
12 months
What utility bill is usually split between roommates?
Electricity, water, gas, or internet.
What is one thing roommates should discuss before moving in?
Cleaning/bills/guests/noise/etc.
What is a co-signer?
Someone who agrees to pay if tenant cannot.
Cheap rent but utilities average $250/month. Sign or pass?
Depends, but likely risky.
What happens if you break a lease early?
You may pay fees or lose your deposit.
Utilities are always included in rent. (True/False)
False
Why is communication important with roommates?
Prevents conflicts and misunderstandings.
Why do landlords ask for proof of income?
To make sure tenants can pay rent.
Great location but strict HOA and many fees. Sign or pass?
Depends on priorities/budget.
What is a security deposit for?
Covering damages or unpaid costs.
What is one upfront cost students pay before moving in?
Deposit/application fee/first month rent.
Red flag or not? One roommate signs the lease without reading it.
Red Flag
What type of tenant do landlords usually prefer?
Responsible and financially reliable tenants.
Landlord refuses to answer questions before signing. Sign or pass?
Pass
Why should you read the lease carefully before signing?
To understand fees, rules, and responsibilities.
Why can cheap rent sometimes still become expensive?
Hidden monthly costs add up.
What happens if one roommate stops paying rent?
Other roommates may still be responsible.
Name two things landlords commonly look for.
Credit, income, rental history, co-signer.
Your future roommate is super clean, pays rent on time, and already has furniture for the house… but wants complete silence after 9 PM every night and says no guests allowed ever. Sign or pass?
Depends on your lifestyle and priorities. Financially they sound responsible, but living compatibility matters just as much as money when signing a lease together.