1. Get everything in writing.

Anything not specifically outlined in your lease should be put into a written document. Without documentation, you have no proof to back yourself up. For example, if you've reported a repair request to your landlord, and three weeks later it still hasn't been taken care of, you won't be able to go to your landlord and complain. How can you prove that you informed your landlord of problem if you have no physical evidence to back yourself up? Make sure you write down EVERYTHING from repair requests, to amendments in lease, to lease termination notifications.

Get these documents signed and dated by your landlord, and you and your roommates should do same. If you would like to see some great examples of form letters, please visit theColorado Tenant's Organization's web site and click on “CTO Model Letters.”

2. Read EVERYTHING before you sign it, and don't sign it if you don't understand.

Move in date: ___________

Applicant Information:

Apartment or address applying for:

_______________________________________

Applicant's Name: ______________________________________

Applicant's SS# ___________________

Co-Applicant's Name: ___________________________________

Co-Applicant's SS# ___________________

Phone # home: _____________________ Work_______________

DOB __________________

Co-Applicant's home/work phone______________

Co-Applicant's DOB __________________

Applicant's Driver's License: ___________________________________

State_____________

Co-Applicant's Driver's License _________________________________

State _____________

Current Address _______________________________________

Previous Address (if current is less than 3 years) _______________________________________

Co-Applicants Current Address: _______________________________________

Previous Address: _______________________________________

List of Occupants: _______________________________________

Emergency Contact phone number: _______________________________________

Current Landlord Information:

Property Name: _______________________________________

Landlord or Contact Name: __________________________

phone # _____________________

Landlord Address: _______________________________________

Monthly Rental Amt.:______________

Resided on premises from _________to_____________

Current Landlord Information for Co-Applicant: