Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
All about Renting
To make your move into an apartment as smooth as possible, we would like to make you aware of what will take place before you are settled. Being prepared and avoiding problems can make it an easier and happier experience.
The first thing you must decide is how much of your income can be spent for your monthly rental. Besides the rent, the coverage of the monthly electric bill and your phone charges should also be considered. Heat and water costs are almost always included in your rent. Some rental units contain an individual heating system, in which case you will have heating costs.
APPLICATION - When you make application to rent an apartment, it has always been common practice to check your credit and references. You may now be required to pay a fee to have your application professionally checked.
If you do not want to hold up the process of confirming your rental, you should be prepared for the costs of application, security and pet deposits.
DEPOSITS - You must expect to pay a deposit which can come under the name of security, damage or cleaning deposit. They can range from a fee of $50 and up, or equal to a full month's rent. This is insurance for the building owner against damage or unusual cleaning after you have left, which means part or all of the deposit could be retained; otherwise, it is refunded to you. The exact requirements for the deposit should be in writing so that you know what the money is for and under what circumstances it can be retained or returned to you. You must also expect to pay an additional deposit if you have a pet.
Many buildings may have a form available to check off items in the apartment and indicate their condition. If there is a tear in the carpet or a scratch on an appliance, it will be a matter of record and you cannot be charged for that later. If such a form is not available, you can walk through the apartment with the manager making your own list, having it signed by the manager and yourself.
All of this is a protection for you as well as the building owner and note that under a law enacted in 1973, your deposit will earn interest at an annual rate of 3%. The deposit must also be returned to you within 3 weeks after you have vacated, or the owner must provide you a written notice about the specific reason for withholding the deposit. You are required to provide your building owner with a mailing address in order to receive your deposit within 3 weeks.
COMPLAINTS - It is not unusual that something may not function properly in your apartment. It certainly has happened wherever you have lived before. If an appliance is not working, a faucet is leaking, and so on, put the problem in writing and give it to your manager or caretaker.
If you have any serious complaints, you should call the building manager. If some action is not following, you can call the Minnesota Multi-Housing Association "Hot Line" at 858-8222 between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. during weekdays for help or service.