Security deposits. Security deposits range from $100 to a full month's rent; average deposit is approximately $250. Some apartments require separate deposits for roommates. Credit application fees are generally $10 to $35.

Verifiable income. Verifiable gross monthly income is at least three times monthly rent. For example, a rent of $500 would require a minimum of $1,500 gross monthly income.

Credit check. A credit check will be conducted by apartment community or management company representing community.

Rental history. Any previous rental history will be verified, and mortgage payments may be included as rental history. Additionally, some communities are also conducting criminal background checks.

Leases. All apartments require a written lease. Lease terms typically are seven to 12 months. Most leases are written for 12 months. Shorter lease terms and month-to-month options often are available at premium rates.

Utilities. You rent will often include sewer, water, trash, and pest control. Gas and electricity are almost always paid separately by tenant.

Pet deposits. Although many apartment complexes allow pets, they require residents to pay dearly for privilege of setting up house with Fido. Pet deposits are stiff, and tenants are charged per pet. Deposits range anywhere from $100 to $300 per pet, and either all or a portion is nonrefundable. Some complexes charge additional rent for pets -- on top of deposit. Pet size is commonly restricted to 20 pounds and 12 inches in height, although some communities do allow larger pets.

Once complaint has been filed with court, you will receive a "Notice of Hearing" setting a hearing date. If you wish to contest eviction, you must file an answer with court within five business days. You will also need to deposit any outstanding rent with clerk of court. If you decide to ignore summons, court is allowed then to issue landlord a final judgement allowing sheriff to evict you.

Failure to appear at hearing at all causes eviction without question. If you go to hearing and win, you have nothing to worry about. If you go and lose, you have right to appeal. If you lose and do not appeal, you will be served with a "Writ of Possession". This is eviction order of court. In some states, you will also owe double rent for time which you stayed over, your landlord's legal expenses, and possibly court costs. After time specified at hearing is up, your landlord can legally change locks on your apartment and assert a lien on your possessions for money which you owe him.

Hopefully you will never receive an eviction notice, but if you do, at least you'll know what to expect!