Many problems are caused by tenants not carefully reading their lease or by tenants believing the can easily break their lease. You have read it 2. You understand it carefully 3. Many other problems tenants have relate to repairs that should have been made to the rental from the beginning of the tenancy. If you see repairs are needed when inspecting the rental, write them into the lease.
Verbal agreements are never a good idea.
With a written agreement you will be in a better position to remedy the situation should the repair not be complete by the time you are ready to take possession of the rental. In fact, it is a good idea to keep a written record of all transactions with your landlord. A receipt for your security deposit and all rent paid, 2. Keep copies of all written correspondence 4. Just as the law imposes obligations on the landlord, it also imposes strong obligations on you.