5 basics San Diego renters should know


San Diego-based attorney Steven R. Kellman shared with the Union-Tribune on Thursday some perennial advice for renters in San Diego and beyond.

Kellman is the founder of the Tenants Legal Center (tenantslegalcenter.com) and an expert on the paper's Rental Roundtable, which pens a column every week. (The Union-Tribune's rental column is still on hiatus.)

Here are five routine things to know if you're a renter:

1) Make sure you go through thorough move-in and move-out inspections. Use a checklist, paying special attention to possible stains or damage. If you can't prove you didn't cause them, you may be charged for them upon move-out. Also, be sure you leave the rental unit in the same condition you found it, or better, to steer clear of penalties.

2) Before you move-in anywhere, read the lease. Kellman says there's often confusion about the basics including who pays how much rent, whether pets are allowed and how utilities are split. "So many tenants sign leases because they're so happy to move in that they never bother to read it carefully," he said.

3) Keep a rental file, which should include a copy of the lease, rental application, photographs of the unit when you move-in, and any communication between you and your landlord. If any situation arises, you will be prepared with records.

4) This is a continuation of No. 3: Document all communication with your landlord. Put in writing any complaints against your landlord or changes in the leasing agreement.

5) Upon move-out, Kellman highly suggests using a professional cleaning service. The receipt from the service serves as legal proof that the unit has been cleaned in case the landlord has any issues with the rental's condition. "It's just a one-time expense for a vacant unit," Kellman added.



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