Four little words: Read the small print. Yes, it's boring, and it may not be the clearest writing you've ever read, but you have a lot at stake and you need to protect yourself by knowing all the rules and regulations of living in your new space and of leaving it. You don't want to end up trying to explain to Judge Judy that you signed a legally binding contract without even reading it.

If there are provisions in the lease that you object to, see if you can work out a compromise with the landlord. Cross out the unwanted language for any changes the two of you agree to, initial and date the change, and have the landlord do the same. Don't rely on oral agreements. They're difficult if not impossible to prove.

If there's something you don't understand, ask the landlord or property manager to explain it. Don't make any assumptions. A few things you might want to ask up-front are:

• Is there an on-site manager?

• What kind of routine maintenance is performed and what am I personally responsible for?

• How much notice do I need to give when leaving?

• What kind of security is provided?

• Is smoking allowed?

• Are pets allowed?

• Are there laundry facilities?

• What are the parking arrangements?

• What utilities and other services are included in the rent?

• How is trash handled?

• Are there provisions in the lease that allow the rent to be raised during the lease term?

You can come up with a list of other questions you should ask before signing on the dotted line. Don't be embarrassed if you have a lot of them. Landlords expect questions, and once you sign the lease, it's too late. Make sure that the answers you get from your landlord correspond with the lease document.

Breaking Your Lease

Getting out of your lease before the end of the lease term, which is usually twelve months, can be difficult and expensive. You can be held responsible for paying the rent for the remainder of the lease. Find out if there are circumstances that would release you from your obligation. What if you got a job transfer? Got divorced? Had a baby? Some landlords will allow you to break the lease for a fee. Others may allow you to sublet to another tenant.

Month-to-Month Leases

If you sign a month-to-month lease, be aware that the landlord can terminate the lease or raise the rent on short notice. Usually you're still obligated to give written notice of your intention to move out ten to sixty days in advance. If you're not sure where you're going to be working or you intend to buy your own home after having a few months to get settled in a new town, a month-to-month lease might make sense for you.