I just moved into a new apartment after having a landlord from hell
Here is some what NOT to do
note..most of what I am about to say is common sense lol)
1. Do not bring your personal life into the lease.. I was constantly brought into the middle of their marital problems. Such as "Don't give my wife the rent, only deal with me" or "my husband never gives me any money so as a woman you should give me the rent" BUT yet they both signed their names on the lease as the landlords
2. If something breaks or leaks... fix it as soon as you can. We have a pending lawsuit against them now because of this. I also had a leaky toilet for almost 3 months because he would always have an excuse why he couldn't fix it. Also, if you have a professional tell you that something needs to be changed dont laugh it off and just leave it. He was told by a few plumbers that he had up in my apartment that something was wrong somewhere because the hot water in my kitchen was coming out hot enough to give you a 2nd degree burn, He just laughed it off and said she will just have to make sure she puts the cold water on first
3. Make sure you both have an understanding of when the rent is due and how it will be collected. I would have to basically hunt him down to pay the rent, although he lived right down stairs, he would be home and not answer his door or wouldn't answer the phone then days later when I would finally make contact he would say "Oh I thought you were gonna pay me on the 1st, and when he would be told about the attempts made or asked why he just didn't come up stairs, he would say 'I dont want to hunt people down for my money
"
NOW with my new place.. I can say Its a LOT better; Here are some suggestions of what you can do:
1. Give them a move in check list and let them advise you of anything that may have been over looked when you did your inspection. My apartment was just re-done so they thought it was in excellent shape, however a few minor things needed to be done for instance outlet covers in 2 places and my dining room light was hanging too low so I needed it adjusted
2. they gave me a move in welcome folder, which even though I've lived in the area was very nice, it had a list of places in the area, such as grocery stores, gyms, post offices, the police department and libray.
3. after a week just do a quick check in with them to make sure they are settled and/or if they needed assistance with anything.