Leases
Most landlords require tenants to sign a lease, a legally binding contract outlining the conditions which both the landlord and the tenant agree to meet. Leases are usually for one year, although it may be possible to arrange a lease for a shorter period of time. Before signing any lease, read it carefully and be sure you understand everything in it. Your signature on a lease commits you to pay the amount of rent specified on the lease every month for the duration of the lease, whether you occupy the apartment or not.

Landlords may ask for the first and last month's rent when you sign a lease. Some will also require a security deposit (usually equal to a month's rent). The security deposit will be returned to you when your lease has ended, provided that there has been no damage to the property. For your protection, the landlord must document (in writing) any damage that existed before you moved in the apartment. The landlord is required by law to put your security deposit in a special account (called an escrow account). Within 10 days of receipt of the deposit, the landlord must give you in writing the following information: the name and address of the bank and the account number where your security deposit has been placed.

Utilities
It is important to find out whether or not the rental price of an apartment or house covers utilities (heat, electricity, gas). If utilities are not included in your rent, your monthly expenses will be considerably higher. Apartments are heated by gas, oil, or electricity, with electricity the most expensive. Ask the landlord which type of heat you have and which company to contact to arrange for service so that you can call each utility company to ask for an estimate of the monthly utility bills for that apartment. Water usage for apartments is usually included in the rent, but, if you pay separately for your own utilities, you will be charged for the amount of gas, oil, or electricity used to heat your water. If you are renting a house, you may be billed periodically for the amount of water you use.

Stoves and Refrigerators
Most apartments are furnished with either gas or electric cooking stoves. If you have a gas stove, please be certain that the pilot light, which automatically ignites the burners, is always burning. If the burners do not light when turned on or if there is an odor of gas, the pilot light should be checked immediately by the gas company. A refrigerator may or may not be included in your apartment. If you must provide one, refrigerators may be leased from Harvard Student Agencies or purchased second-hand from private individuals or discount appliance stores.

Clothes Washing Machines and Dryers
Apartment houses may have coin-operated washing machines and dryers in the building. Also, many neighborhoods have laundromats with coin-operated washers and dryers. It is best to bring your own soap to the laundromat because it is more expensive to purchase soap there. Most laundromats are open for 15 - 18 hours a day and have money-changing machines and counters or tables for folding clothes. Some laundromats offer washing-and-folding services for a fee.