Nothing in these pages should be considered legal advice or as the solution to your specific problem. If you have questions about your legal rights, consult legal aid or your own private attorney.

1. IT'S ALWAYS BETTER TO GET IT IN WRITING. This applies to all your transactions from initial leases and condition reports to receipts for rent payments. You may think that you and your landlord have reached an agreement, but why wait to find out? If it's in writing and signed by both parties, you may be able to avoid disputes later. Remember to keep copies of all written agreements, receipts, etc. A written condition inspection is a record of the property and its condition during moving in and move out for your protection.

2. NOTIFY YOUR LANDLORD. If you have problems or complaints, notify your landlord in writing and keep copies for your records. Use certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, when you want to be sure of delivery to the proper person. Keep your post office receipt.

3. REQUEST RECEIPTS. Request a receipt from your landlord for any money you pay, whether deposits, rent, repairs or for any other purpose. Never pay in cash unless you get a receipt.

4. PAY YOUR RENT AND UTILITIES PROMPTLY. If you have a problem, or complaints, contact your landlord and explain your situation. Try to negotiate a solution you both can live with but remember to write the agreement down and have both parties sign it.

5. KEEP IT CLEAN AND ORDERLY. Don't allow your family, friends or pets to abuse the property. Take responsibility for repairing any damage caused by you, your family or guests. If you damage the property, notify your landlord and explain what you'll do to repair it. Don't wait for your landlord to discover the damage and confront you about it.

6. DON'T MAKE ALTERATIONS WITHOUT PERMISSION. Before you alter the premises, get written permission from your landlord. This includes painting, putting in attached bookshelves, removing cabinets, wallpapering, etc. Also, read your lease to determine who is responsible for the lawn-mowing, watering, weed control, etc.

7. COOPERATE WITH YOUR LANDLORD IF YOU ARE MOVING. Notify your landlord if you intend to move and cooperate in renting the apartment to another tenant. Arrange with the management to inspect the property together to inventory the unit's condition before you surrender the keys. Complete a final checkout inspection, have it signed by both parties and keep a copy. If you cannot get the management to do a walk through inspection with you, get a witness to do a walk through and sign a checkout list or you may want to make a video tape of the rental property. Advise your landlord of your new address so your deposit money or other communication can be forwarded.

8. READ EVERYTHING YOU ARE ASKED TO SIGN. Ask questions about anything you don't understand. You may be accepting responsibilities or giving up rights if you sign without reading. If necessary, consult an attorney or one of the agencies listed in this booklet before you sign. Ask for a copy of the written lease upon signing.

Source: "A Landlord - Tenant Relations Guide - 1997", A Publication of
Pikes Peak/Arkansas River Legal Aid and City of Colorado Springs Human Relations Office