Real Estate Basics · Level 2 of 5 · Foundations

Renting a home

Leases, deposits, and what to check before you sign.

Study notes

A lease is a contract that sets rent, term, deposit, who pays utilities, pet rules, and how notice works. Read it fully before signing.
Security deposit limits and return deadlines are set by state and sometimes local law.
Do a move-in inspection. Take dated photos or video of every room and note existing damage in writing.
Renters insurance usually covers your belongings and personal liability. The landlord's policy generally covers the building, not your things.
The federal Fair Housing Act bans discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability.

Quiz: 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question, then check your answers. Score 5 of 6 to pass. Then enter your name and email to download a PDF certificate and have a copy emailed to you. Answers are graded in your browser.

1. What sets the rules for rent, deposit, and notice in a rental?

The lease, within state and local law A verbal promise only The neighbor The moving company

2. Why take dated photos at move-in?

To document existing damage and protect your deposit To post online To prove you own the unit Landlords require selfies

3. Who usually sets security deposit limits?

State and sometimes local law The federal post office Your employer The real estate agent alone

4. Renters insurance usually covers:

Your belongings and personal liability The building's roof The landlord's mortgage Your car

5. Under the Fair Housing Act, a landlord may not refuse to rent because of:

Familial status, such as having children Failure to pay rent A smoking policy violation Bad references verified in writing

6. Before signing a lease you should:

Read the whole lease and ask about anything unclear Sign quickly to hold the unit Read only the rent amount Let a friend read it for you

About this certificate: Certificates are issued by Get Certified for Free for passing a free online knowledge quiz. They are not accredited, licensed, government, academic, or professional credentials and do not confer a license. Read the full terms.