Top 10 Ways Renters Can Protect Themselves

10 On Your Side has the top ten ways for renters to protect themselves. The last two tips on the list are probably the most important. They are pointers that may force a bad landlord to straighten up his act.

1. The number one thing you should do, before you even fill out the application, is to check the place out.

2. Document any problems and attach that to your application.

3. Do another walk through before signing the lease.

4. Read the lease thoroughly.

5. Never pay with cash. Use a check or money order.

6. Tip number six is to get renter's insurance. It's inexpensive and covers your belongings.

7. Contact the landlord with any repair problems immediately.

8. Follow up on repair requests. Keep a record of the date you called, person you spoke with and when they plan to make the repairs.

9. Contact your city inspector or code enforcement if serious problems aren't repaired in a timely manor.

Sometimes that doesn't work, but tip number ten will get the landlord's attention.

10. Never stop paying rent, escrow instead. That means you notify the landlord in writing of the problems and your intention to escrow. If it's not done in a reasonable period time, you pay rent to the court, not the landlord.

When you escrow...your rent must be paid on time. When you give the landlord the escrow letter, you have to pay rent on time for that month.

Give him 30 days to make the repairs. If things aren't fixed...than go down to the city clerk's office and fill out a form. If you can't get your landlord to fix problems, now is the time to give the escrow letter with December's rent.