After gathering information on available dwellings, it is time to start contacting prospective landlords. The following questions should be pursued with the landlord, either by phone or at the time you see the available unit:

• How much is the rent? How often and when is it to be paid? What is the penalty for late payment?
• Is the unit furnished or unfurnished?
• Are utilities included? If not, what does it cost to connect service and the average monthly cost?¹
• Is there a lease? What is the time period? Is subletting permitted?
• Is a security deposit required? How much is it? Under what conditions will deductions be made from the security deposit and when will it be returned?
• Responsibility for garbage and refuse removal.
• Who is responsible for repairs, snow removal, lawn care? Is there a maintenance staff?
• Is there parking available? What does it cost?
• Are pets allowed? Will this increase your rent or security deposit?
• Is there storage available. Will it cost extra?
• How close are conveniences (e.g., supermarkets, laundromats, banks, bus lines)?

Inspect a potential dwelling before committing to a lease. Take notes as to the following:

• Condition of the building inside and out. Check for drafts, holes near baseboards -- never rent a place without seeing it in the daytime.
• Lighting in the halls, stairways, main entrance, and in the unit.
• Fire safety features (e.g., fire escapes, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinklers).
• Condition and adequacy of electrical wiring and outlets.
• Locks on doors, screens, and windows.
• Type of heating (if the unit is heated by radiators, make sure there is one in every room).
• Water pressure (check shower, bathtub, and faucets).
• Size of the refrigerator and freezer compartment. Are they large enough for all roommates?
• Condition and age of furniture, appliances, and carpets, if provided.

If you are interested, ask the landlord if you need to commit before leaving to prevent someone else from renting the unit before you make your decision. Securing a dwelling often requires payment of a deposit on the spot. Make sure you have a check or money order with you if you are serious about securing a place to live.

¹ If the cost of heat is not included in the rent, find out what the previous year's heating bills were for that unit. If they service the unit, New York State Electric and Gas Corporation (NYSEG) can provide you with this information by calling (607) 347-4142. NYSEG also provides a budget billing service that allows you to pay a fixed monthly rate for service based on the previous bills. Winter bills will be the same as the summer's, and take the sting out of winter heating costs.