The Lease (continued)

Apartment leases vary in length and complexity. Not all leases are created equal. Some are better written than others. Don't assume that the lease you're looking at now is the same as the one you signed when you moved into your last apartment. When your landlord presents you with an apartment lease to sign, read it thoroughly. Ask for (written) clarification of any areas that are vague or that you don't understand. If there are important points that you think have been overlooked, insist that they be included and that the landlord initial them. Anything that's not in the lease could become the source of a misunderstanding later on.