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Rental Review Checklist

We recommend that anyone comparing multiple housing options complete this checklist for each credible property. It helps you document the condition of each rental space and makes it easier to compare units as you make your decision.

Rental Review Checklist

Inspection Checklist

If you’ve selected a rental property, this checklist allows you to document its condition before move‑in. Completing this form helps ensure that you and your landlord share a clear understanding of the unit’s condition. It also serves as an important reference at the end of your lease to help prevent security deposit deductions for issues that existed prior to your tenancy.

Inspection Checklist

Please Note

Tools and insights are provided for general informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Before signing any contract or lease, it is strongly recommended that you consult with a qualified legal professional.

Step by Step

It is recommended that you begin your search three to four months in advance. Follow the nine steps below to guide yourself through the consuming process of renting and moving.

If you are considering renting off-campus, begin at least three months in advance to ensure ample time to find the right place for you.

Ask yourself the following questions before you begin your search:

  • How much can I afford per month for rent?
  • What is in my budget (loans, job earnings, parental support)?
  • Do I want a roommate(s)?
  • How far am I willing to commute?
  • What type of transportation will I require?
  • What type of neighborhood would I like?

Ask yourself the following questions while looking through rental options:

  • Is the rental furnished or unfurnished?
  • Are utilities included or excluded?
  • How will I commute? (car, bus, train)
  • What is the parking situation (if applicable)?
  • Who will be responsible for damages? Repairs? Landscaping?

Click HERE to view legal rental options.

Complete a Rental Review Checklist as you conduct a full inspection of the property. Once completed for each rental under consideration, determine which option is best for you.

Our website offers a free roommate listing service to Stony Brook University community members. Visit the off-campus housing listings page to connect with peers. You'll see a tab at the top of the page that directs you to the roommate listings that are currently available; log-in is required (net ID and password.)

See Lease 101 to fully understand what a lease should include.
      • Only sign the lease once both parties, prospective tenant and prospective landlord, understand and have agreed to its terms.
      • Do not be afraid to ask questions or propose changes.
      • Keep a copy of the lease for your records.

These accounts include but are not limited to:
  • Electric, PSEG: 1 (631) 755-6000
  • Gas, National Grid: 1 (800) 930-5003
  • Trash Service
  • Water Service
  • Internet Service
  • Official address (NY State DMV and US Post Office)

Fill out the Inspection Checklist to document rental conditions to avoid charges for pre-existing wear and tear.

  • Will you use moving services? Will you rent a UHaul?
  • Do you need to purchase furniture? Will you need to schedule deliveries? Once you have been safely moved into your rental, check back to this site to review your rights as a tenant and the safety precautions that we have listed.

 

 

Leases 101

A lease is a binding contract between tenant and landlord that lists the obligations of both parties. The lease should be a written document, signed by both the landlord and the tenant. Oral agreements tend to result in misunderstandings and disagreements about their terms. Be sure to read all of the terms of the lease before signing.

Click HERE for a printable version of the following content.

 This information should be included for both the landlord and the tenant (s).

How long the lease lasts, the beginning and end date of the lease. The lease should also explain the consequences of a tenant who leaves before the end date of the lease.

Types of Terms:

  • Fixed Term: Ends on a specific date unless renewed before the termination date.
  • Self-extending: Renews itself until either party decides to cancel it.
  • Month-to-Month Tenancy (Tenancy at Will): Agreement for a one-month period that automatically renews until terminated by one party.

Some leases automatically renew, while others may only renew if certain steps are taken. Be sure to read the lease carefully to determine if and how your lease may be renewed. If the lease may be renewed, it should specify how to request a renewal.

If you are required to pay for utilities (water, electricity, cable, telephone) it should be indicated in the lease along with the estimated cost and how the cost will be calculated each month.

If you are required to provide a security deposit, it should be clear how much that will be, and the terms for returning it at the close of your lease (you should not be charged for normal "wear and tear").

A Security Deposit is a sum of money (usually equal to one month's rent) paid by a tenant at the beginning of the lease term. It is separate from rent and is meant to protect the landlord in the event of unpaid rent or damage to the premises at the end of the lease term.

Tips:

  • Take pictures when you move in or out to avoid any issues.
  • If there are significant repairs that need to be made or appliances that do not work, make a list and have the landlord sign the list to ensure there is no dispute when you move out.

The landlord must ensure that the home is in compliance (and stays  in compliance) with all health and safety codes. They should also have a permit from the town to prove that the rental is legal and has been inspected. Please note that all rentals listed on our cite are permited.

Be sure that the lease describes who is responsible for maintenance (such as mowing the lawn, snow removal...), and repairs (unless required due to the tenant's actions). Maintenance is usually the landlord's responsibility. 

 This will explain how the parties must notify each other (e.g., via certifies mail) if formal notice is not required. It may also set forth how the landlord should notify you if they must enter the premises for inspections or repairs. Landlords should usually provide 24 hours notice before entering unless there is an emergency.

Guests:

Be sure that you and your potential landlord discuss the terms of extended guests. After all, you are signing a contract for one person, not numerous guests that you may wish to have stay with you.

Subletting:

If the landlord allows sublets (lease by a tenant to another person), it should be indicated in the lease. A sublet may require prior approval by the landlord. As part of that approval, the landlord may require information about the person you are subleasing to and may also require a security deposit from the sub-tenant. Please note that most of our local townships deem "rooms for rent" illegal.

The amount of rent, when it is due, if there is a grace period, penalties of late rent and whether (and under what circumstances) it can be increased during the term of the lease. If you have roommates consider including language in the lease that each individual roommate is responsible for their share. That way, if there is a penalty for late payment, only the late payer will be responsible for the penalty.

 There may be other buildings, rooms, parking spaces and/or common areas that you may or may not have access to. A description of the area/property you are renting will avoid confusion and misunderstandings about such spaces. Furthermore, any furnishings that come with the rental should be listed, along with condition upon the start of the lease.

 The lease should state wether pets are allowed. If pets are allowed, the landlord may require additional security deposit to cover any damage the pet may cause.