Before you sign a lease on a rental apartment, inspect the apartment for physical damage or safety violations. This is crucial for two reasons: You don't want to be held responsible for damage you didn't cause, and you want an apartment that's safe to live in. Take photos (or make a videotape) of existing damage, date them and get the landlord to sign them. Insist that any violations be corrected before you move in and that any repairs or improvements to be made are recorded in the lease agreement.

Remember, a landlord who keeps the property in good working order is probably someone you want to do business with. A landlord who is careless may be sending you a signal to keep looking.

Additional items you want to evaluate include:

* Smoke detectors

* Mailboxes

* Appliances

* Outdoor lighting

* Locks on doors, windows and sliding glass doors

* Emergency exit signs in hallways

* Fire extinguishers in hallways

* Lead, radon hazards

The best way to find an apartment rental is to compare information on different web sites. There you can compare terms, conditions, and fees.