Ask that any verbal assur-ances made by the landlord be put in writing, with the date and landlord's signature. If this request is refused, you may consider the landlord's verbal promises are worthless. Do not deal with a landlord who demands a deposit before showing you the premises. You should not give a deposit or first month's rent unless you definitely wish to lease the unit. More importantly, do not rent an apartment or room until you have examined it.
Leases can be in either verbal or written form.
Some renters believe that a verbal agreement maximizes their flexibility during the tenancy, but a verbal agreement can create uncertainties, since it is difficult to document a verbal agteement in the event that a problem aris-es. A written lease assures your right to live in the premises for a specific period, and that the rent will remain at the stated amount during that term. A lease which runs for a period of one year or longer must be in written form to be legally binding. Ask questions regarding any provisions in the lease about which you are uncertain. Scrutinize the lease.