Pets can often be a problem in rental housing disputes. Find out if you can have a pet, what types of pets you can have, and if you have to provide an additional damage deposit if pets are in the rental housing. Many landlords restrict pets due to problems with noise, fleas, damage to the carpets and flooring as well as complaints by non-pet lovers in the building.

Some rental agreements will allow the tenant to choose to complete some minor or even larger repairs on their own, submitting bills for materials and time which is then deducted off the next months rent. Don't assume that all landlords will pay for time or even materials and clear this with the manager or owner, in writing, before starting on the project.

Painting or changing fixtures or flooring in your new rental housing may be acceptable in the rental agreement but you may be restricted as to the style, colors or even types of changes that can be made, even if the tenant pays for all the modifications and upgrades. Getting everything in writing before starting will save both disappointment and time and effort in repainted to match the landlords policies.