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Here is my list of things renters should know before you rent.

1) Rental prices are negotiable.

Finding a rental is much like buying a used car. In most cases, you are dealing directly with the owner and can negotiate the price, lease terms, amenities, and condition of the property. Large property management groups and apartments do not usually negotiate, but there is no harm in asking.

2) Landlord must provide you with your credit scores

When apply for a rental, landlords run your credit history. If you have your credit history pulled more than once within a short period of time, this can hurt your credit score, even if it is as little as 2 points. If your first application is rejected, get a copy of your credit score so your next application does not hit your credit again.

3) A verbal lease under 1 year is legally binding.

This may vary from state to state, but the general rule is that a verbal lease agreement under 1 year is legally binding. You can find your state laws at http://www.rentalprop.com/ltlaws.htm.

4) Landlords may be required to pay you interest on your security deposit.

Again, this varies from state to state and the interest rate varies from state to state. But currently in San Francisco, landlords are required to give tenants 5.2% on their security deposit. My security deposit is $5300 so the interest is enough money to buy a Nintendo Wii.

5) Take hundreds of pictures during your walk-in inspection.

Most renters often treat the walk-in inspection very lightly. The landlord has you sign off on a sheet that was filled out by the landlord and undoubtedly misses multiple issues. The easiest thing to do is grab your digital camera and take pictures of every possible scratch, dent, hole, and stain. Make sure you email your landlord the pictures so there is a time log for when they were taken. Lastly, test all the appliances and cooling and heating systems thoroughly before signing off on your walk-in inspection. Just another tip, test how thin your walls are by flushing the toilet, running the showing, talking on the phone, opening the garage, etc.

Anything else that should be on this list?