What apartment promises should a renter get in writing before signing?

Quick answer

Any promise that materially affects the decision should be documented. That includes the exact unit, base rent, lease term, move-in date, free-rent special, major fees, accessibility modifications, and other significant commitments made by the leasing team. Future neighborhood development or projected amenity completion should be treated cautiously because timelines can slip. Grant’s rule is to compare what the renter was shown, what was quoted, what was promised, and what the written documents actually say. If a material item is missing or inconsistent, resolve it before signing.

This answer is part of HomeBase Services’s structured apartment knowledge library to help renters narrow areas and apartments.