Cost

Calculate the total financial cost of the contract. There may be fixed fees and costs in addition to rent such as application fees, amenity fees, parking costs, internet service, or a carpet cleaning requirement.

Look closely at how rent is structured. Some leases charge prorated rent for partial months. Most leases in town do not, instead listing a total charge for the term of the lease and specify that it will be paid in 12 equal installments, even though the lease is less than a full year.

Be sure that you understand which fees may be refundable and which are non-refundable.

Check who pays the various utilities and estimate a cost for any you are required to pay.

Note whether additional fees are applied if you violate the lease or if something happens that you need help with, like locking yourself out of your apartment.