Don't be a welcome mat: Know your tenant rights

What should one be looking for when searching for an apartment to rent? What are some often-overlooked details that one should be informed of when one gets ready to scope out that cozy bachelor(ette) pad? Are apartment-finding services worth the effort, or do they just want to screw over a hard-working and vulnerable student?

When starting a rental search consider two important aspects: general security/safety, and money. Under the realm of security/safety, be sure to check doors and windows for their solidness and be weary of any prior signs that point to tampering. Locks and jams should fasten securely and tightly.

Once moved in, tenants may want to invest in a cheap security alarms that fasten on windows and doors that beep loudly upon motion. There are also motion sensitive web cameras out there that don't cost a fortune and work as another set of eyeballs when not home.

Changing the locks on doors isn't such a bad idea either, although this needs prior approval from the landlord for legal reasons.

Fireproof safes and lockboxes are also smart investments for the protection of prime valuables and documents.

Make sure pipes are not leaking, fire alarms are installed with working batteries, and dead bug carcasses/rodents aren't left behind as presents in the shadowy nooks and crannies.

One last bit of advice under security is pertaining to ground floor and basement apartments. It should be expected that "burglar bars" be secured on windows (but make sure there are two doors in case of fire).

Let's face it. We are not trying to spend all of our concert ticket money on rent, right? So some tips follow, as promised.

Forget about those two-month security deposits. That's crazy. One month should suffice. Also, unless one intends on sharing an apartment with a possessed gorilla, there is no need for a so-called pet deposit. If one is planning to move into an already roommate- occupied apartment, then that person should insist on their name being added to the lease, especially if asked to supply a security deposit. If the intended roommate has nothing to hide, then this should not be a problem.

On that note, tenants should be aware that they are entitled to an earned interest on a paid security deposit upon moving from the rental and leaving it in decent condition. There is a guidebook out there on tenant's rights that every renter should own. There are copies of this online, or at your local representative's office.

Word of mouth, neighborhood strolls, and neighborhood postings on billboards in public places such as grocery stores always proven to be the best sources for rentals, although local newspapers, online sources such as Craigslist, and even schools can be beneficial in finding that perfect fit. The apartment rental services out there can be pleasant experiences, as they do the dirty work of carting apartment seekers around in an automobile to look at places. The flip side of that coin is that said potential tenants have to remember that these are sales people that expect to sell something at the end of the "rounds", and this can be annoying for a person that likes to take their sweet time to shop around.

Knowledge is power, so go get 'em!