If you are planning to rent an apartment you are protected by law. The Fair Housing Act is the law that protects renters against discrimination of race, color, religion, national origin, family status or handicap. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enforces the law, and is the agency you should use to report any discrimination.

This law applies to all rentals with the exceptions of owner-occupied buildings with no more than four units, single-family housing rented without the use of a broker, and housing operated by organizations and private clubs that limit occupancy to members.

When you agree to rent an apartment there should be a document, called a lease, signed by the landlord and the renter. It is a long term contract which spell out both your and the landlord’s rights and obligations. It should include the price, a description of the premises, and the names of all parties. It will spell out who pays for utilities, and if pets are allowed on the premises.

The lease is for your protection as well as the owner’s, but it does limit you in some ways. Some places will have apartments that can be rented by the month or even the week. Regardless of the length of time you should request and receive a written agreement whenever you enter into a contract.

Short term leases are more difficult to find in university towns like where I live because there is a constant flow of renters and the turn around is regular. Renting an apartment in Lawrence ks is an easy thing to do but there is a definite season to do so, and it is in the summer before the student population comes back.