As a renter, it's important to use best practices when you're planning on signing a new lease. Before you sign on the dotted line, review these common sense tips to ensure that all goes smoothly, and your rights are protected.

Read The Lease
A lease is a contract between you and your landlord. That means it outlines what you should expect from your landlord, and what your landlord should expect from you. Details like who's responsible for what utilities, whether you can have a pet (and whether it'll require a deposit), and even whether you can paint the walls are all typically specified in a well-written lease.

Be Gentle On The Space
Maybe that adage about nobody ever washing a rental car is true, but in the case of an apartment rental, it's worthwhile for you to treat the space gently. You've likely put down a security deposit in case of any damages, and you may also want to use your landlord as a reference when you're seeking a future apartment.

Be Nice To Neighbors
Apartment living means sharing a space, even if you technically live alone. You've probably got neighbors living above, below, and around you, and they may not take too kindly to excessive noise. Treat them like you'd like to be treated!