Apartment leasing is done by lease agents and apartment management teams. They help in finding appropriate tenants. The whole process ends with the signing of a lease deed. Leasing agents should be familiar with all aspects of marketing, local laws and must be willing to move around and show apartments to prospective tenants. Once the apartment is selected, a lease agreement is drawn. The lease agreement varies from place to place. It also varies from landlord to landlord. The lease period also varies. Generally, tenants prefer a one-year lease.

One has to carefully read the lease deed before signing it. Once signed, the rules and regulations are binding and the tenant is obliged to follow the regulations. In case he fails to do so, the lease can be terminated. He should therefore clarify all his doubts and ask questions before signing the lease. Anything that's not included in the lease agreement could become a matter of contention later. One has to therefore clarify whether the lease says anything about sub-letting. What does it say about pets? What happens when you need to leave the apartment before the term of the lease is up? What penalties will you incur? If there any important points that have been excluded, insist that they be included in the lease agreement. Familiarize with the landlord- tenant regulations in your state. Ask for written clarifications of any areas that have been overlooked. A lease agreement is important because it fixes the responsibilities and rights of both the tenant and the landlord.