Don't miss the finer points of your lease that could cost you.

When you're hunting for an apartment, it's important to remember that you'll need to spend time looking over and reviewing the lease. Violating a lease term could get you kicked out, after all! As a legal, binding document, the landlord has the backing of the law. To avoid getting burned by hidden terms in your lease, check out these tips. Find out who pays utilities. Just because utilities were included with your rent in your last place, doesn't mean they will be here. Utilities like electric, gas, and water are often not included in rent. Make sure that you know what you'll be responsible for paying. Pay on time. There are often penalty fees associated with a late payment, so always ensure that you know when the rent is due, and get it in on time. Give proper notice before moving out. You might assume that your lease ends when the term is up. Even if the lease is coming to an end, many landlords require that the tenant give a full month's notice before moving out. Usually, this has to be in writing. If you fail to do so, you'll probably have to pay next month's rent, or pay until the place is re-rented! Limit how long guests stay If you're a renter, you may have already been warned by your landlord: adults are not allowed to stay more than three days at a time. As the landlord can reasonably assume that the guest actually lives there, forcing you to pay more rent. Get renters insurance. Believe it or not, but the landlord isn't required to purchase coverage to protect your belongings. You'll have to do that! Renters insurance protects your belongings if they're stolen or damaged, pays your hotel bill in case your rental unit is unlivable because of a covered peril, and covers medical expenses. Contact the professionals at Bell Black Insurance, serving Rexburg and neighboring cities in Idaho to secure your needed renters insurance today! We serve those in Idaho Falls, Island Park, Driggs, Victor, Swan Valley, Ashton, and the neighboring communities in Idaho, as well as Jackson and Star Valley in Wyoming.