List Only

Help. Apartment. First time renter?

I will be getting my first apartment in May of 2011. It will be me, my son, boyfriend and brother. We are going to get a 3 bedroom. So far I found one apartment that fits our price range and all utilities are paid. But on apartment-ratings.com they have a 52% recommendation from previous renters. I am fine with most of the stuff people say because that is your average apartment. What is bothering me is that I see almost everybody complains of leaks and the apartment complex not fixing the problem in a timely matter. I was wondering if I could get the complex to sign an agreement with me saying if they don't fix our problems within 2 weeks we dont have to pay rent that month or we can break our lease and move out. I know it sounds kinda crazy but I don't want to move in to somewhere and have a whole bunch of problems. I am a nursing student, have a kid and really who would want to put up with a lot of problems? The apartments in EL Conquistador in Ks.

Public Comments

1. No you cannot. You do NOT dictate to a business. You either rent the unit or go some where else. If you are not moving till May 2011 why bother even looking Now. Wait till March of 2011 and stop wasting your time
2. Few landlords would sign such an agreement, many do not have the authority to (they do this as a job, they do not own the place). You will be hard pressed to find anyone willing to sign. Even though I keep my properties in perfect condition and every tenant has my handimans number (dont even have to call me) I would not sign this. "problems" is too vague.
3. honestly apartmentratings.com is just a website for unsatisfied residents to complain, ive always knocked on a few doors throughout the complex and asked if they enjoyed living there. some people prefer not to disclose info and some offer great advice. i know for sure you will not get any apts to sign a document saying if they do not fix problems you can withold rent. if they are not fixing problems your best bet is to call corporate. you should always get a response from them in a timely manner. also sign a short term lease in case you are unsatisfied, if you end up to like living there then sign a longer lease. good luck