Kentucky Renter Tips

Kentucky renters need to know how to protect themselves. The following are some basic guidelines regarding problem areas Kentucky renters sometimes encounter:

• Read the rental agreement before you sign. Ask who will be responsible for repairs. Find out how and where to contact that person, day or night. Be aware of any rules on painting and papering walls, hanging pictures, allowing pets and noise restrictions.
  
  
• Some contracts may limit your rights under state law. Ask questions before you sign. Make changes if necessary (and if possible) and have the landlord initial the changes along with your own initials. Keep copies in a safe place. Do not rely on verbal promises.
  
  
• Before renting, you and your landlord should inspect the apartment/house together. Take pictures and/or make a checklist of all pre-existing damages and poor conditions which could later be charged to you. Both of you should sign and date the checklist and you each should keep a copy. If your landlord will not agree to this, have another person perform this job and have the list notarized. The return of your security deposit could depend on having an accurate checklist.
  
  
• Try to maintain good relations with your landlord. Before reporting problems to authorities, discuss them with the landlord. If he/she will not help you, at least you have tried to cooperate and improve the situation on your own.
  
  
• Report problems immediately to the landlord or manager. Minor problems are repaired more easily before they become major ones. In addition, the sooner problems are acknowledged, the less time you should have to live with them. Remember to keep accurate records.