Read the Lease Carefully — Know Who Pays for Minor Repairs

Many tenants assume the landlord covers everything, but leases often assign minor repairs to the tenant — lightbulbs, drain cleaning, small fixes under a certain amount. Know your responsibilities before signing so you're not surprised by costs you thought were covered.

Pay special attention to clauses about maintenance, repairs, and end-of-lease conditions. If something is unclear, ask for clarification in writing before you sign. Understanding the lease upfront prevents awkward disputes later.