(Source: Equality Housing Center's Know Your Rights as a Renter in Pennsylvania handbook)
Is the apartment affordable? Have there been rent increases in the past few years? How much? What is included in the rent? Find out who is responsible to pay for heat, gas, electric, hot water, water/sewer, recycling, and trash removal. Ask for a history of monthly utility expenses so you know what to expect.
Is the property and surrounding area well maintained and safe? Do doors, windows, and entrances to the building have secure working locks and are all usable for exit in the event of an emergency?
Is there evidence of rodents or insects? If such a problem does arise, will the landlord pay for extermination? Is there flaking, peeling paint? Beware of lead poisoning from lead paint, especially if you have children.
Are the fire escapes easy to get to? Is there a fire extinguisher readily available? Are there smoke detectors? Are the smoke detectors operational? Who is responsible for their maintenance? Pennsylvania law requires that the landlord provide a working smoke alarm in each unit.
Are the stairs safe and well lit? Are the windows eroding? Is wood cracked, rotting, water damaged, or termite infested? Does the landlord provide storm windows, screens, and shades? Are the floors solid and without holes, cracks, or splinters? Make sure no tiles or floorboards are missing. Are there any cracks or holes in the walls? Make sure there is no loose or falling plaster. Are the walls and ceilings painted or wallpapered and without cracks?
Heat: Check the furnace or other source of heat. Make sure the heating source is accessible and working effectively. Check for drafts from windows and doors.
Water: There should be hot and cold running water. Check to see if water pressure is strong. Locate the turn-off valve.
Sewer: Do toilets flush properly? Check for any drainage problems in sinks and tubs. Is the flooring around the tubs and toilets sound and solid?
Electricity: Are there enough electrical outlets? Is the wiring adequate to handle any appliance you may want to bring with you into the unit? Look for broken or frayed wiring or light fixtures hanging from a wire with no supports, as these are safety hazards. Locate fuse boxes and breakers.
Trash Removal: What is the policy for trash removal? Are there trash receptacles or dumpsters? Are they secure from rodents?
Do you have access to the air conditioning and heating temperature controls? Will you be able to control the heat or will the landlord control the heat? Usually if heat is included in the rent, the landlord controls the heat.
Is there a storage area inside/outside the rental unit?
What is included in the apartment? Ask if refrigerator, washer and dryer, drapes, blinds, carpet, or other furniture is included in the rental unit. Who is responsible to pay for those items if they need repair?
It is wise to take note (with the landlord or property manager present) of any defects before you move in. When it is time to move out, those originally noted damages should not be charged against your security deposit since they occurred before you moved in. Written notes and photographs are very helpful so that there is no confusion later. Take photos to document the condition of the apartment and any existing damages. It is the tenant’s right to have the condition of the dwelling in writing.
If the rental unit is in need of repairs, it is in your best interest to establish in writing a date and time for the repairs to be completed. If the repairs are numerous and substantial do not accept the apartment.
This is very important. You may be in the process of renting a house that is condemned or has a history of structural, electrical, or plumbing problems. Check with the local housing inspector (814-724-6200) before you move in to see if there are any current housing violations in the rental unit. Ask the housing inspector if there have been any complaints from former tenants against your future landlord for failing to make necessary repairs.
Homes built before 1978 may have lead based paint and homes built before 1950 are more likely to have it. The only way to know for sure if there is lead based paint is to have a certified inspector test for the presence of lead. When old paint cracks and peels, it makes lead dust. Children can get lead poisoning from swallowing flakes of paint or paint dust on their hands and toys. Children can also breathe in lead dust. Even small amounts of lead can cause very serious harm to the brain and other parts of the nervous system. Lead in a child’s body can cause delayed growth and development, damage hearing and speech, and cause behavior problems and learning disabilities. There could be other sources of lead in older homes such as in the pipes or in the soil surrounding the house. The landlord is required to provide tenants with information about lead based paint in any property they are renting. An owner or landlord who fails to give proper information can be sued for triple the amount of damages. The owner may also be subject to civil and criminal penalties.
Pennsylvania law requires that the landlord provide working smoke alarms in each unit. The tenant cannot waive this requirement or disconnect the smoke detectors. Your lease should state who is required to check the smoke alarms and change the batteries.
The Carbon Monoxide Alarm Standards Act requires that property owners install carbon monoxide detectors in all rental units that have fossil fuel burning heaters, appliances, fireplaces and/or attached garages. Tenants are required to replace batteries as needed and replace any device that is stolen, removed, missing or rendered inoperable during occupancy and to also notify the rental property owner or agent in writing of any deficiencies pertaining to the carbon monoxide detectors.