Do not put down any money unless you are sure you want the apartment. Though you may be legally entitled to your money up until the time the landlord formally accepts you as a tenant, practically speaking, that money may be difficult to recover;

*Calculate the anticipated cost of utilities (i.e., heat, electricity) based on actual usage. You must be able to pay the total cost of rent plus utilities;

*Know what is expected of you in terms of pre-payments. At the beginning of a tenancy, a landlord is limited to collecting first and last month's rent, one month's security deposit and key deposit . A finder's fee for the purpose of finding an apartment ( also called registration fee or commission) may be collected by a licensed real estate broker or salesperson only. The fee's purpose, the amount and the date due should be disclosed to the prospective tenant prior to any transaction. The amount of the fee is a contractual agreement between the licensed broker or salesperson and the prospective tenant. There is no set amount.

*Check the apartment to ensure that it is in acceptable condition. Confer with the landlord/management company regarding any repairs that need to be made. Any agreements should be put in writing. An apartment that is safe and habitable has the following:

Heat - The landlord must provide and maintain a heating system in good operating order. From September 16 to June 14, every room must be heated to a temperature of at least 68F between the hours of 7:00am and 11:00pm and at least 64F between the hours of 11:01pm and 6:59am unless the tenant is required to supply the fuel under a written lease agreement. During the heating season, the maximum heat allowable in the apartment is 78F.

No cockroaches or rodents - The landlord of a dwelling of 2 units or more must maintain the unit free from rodents, cockroaches, and insect infestation, and must be responsible for extermination.

Kitchen - The landlord must provide within the kitchen a sink of sufficient size and capacity for washing dishes and kitchen utensils, a stove and oven in good repair (except when a written lease agreement requires the tenant to provide his/her own stove and oven), and space and proper facilities for the installation of a refrigerator. NOTE: a refrigerator does not have to be provided.

Hot water - The landlord must provide and maintain facilities capable of heating and supplying hot water at a temperature between 110F and 130F in a quantity and pressure sufficient to satisfy the ordinary use of all plumbing fixtures. Exceptions are made when the occupant is required to provide fuel for the operation of the facilities under the written lease agreement.

Strong Structural Elements - Every landlord must maintain the foundation, floors, walls, door, windows, ceilings, roof, staircases, porches, chimneys, and other structural elements of the dwelling so that it excludes wind, rain, and snow; is rodent-proof, weathertight, watertight, and free from chronic dampness; in good repair, and in every way fit for its intended use.

Snow Removal - Every exit used or intended for use by occupants of more than one dwelling unit or rooming unit shall be maintained free from obstruction.

No lead paint - If there are children under the age of six living in the dwelling, all lead paint must be removed.