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Once you're in

Congratulations! You've got the apartment. The hunt is over.

Now, make sure that you buy renter's insurance, right away.

Document, in writing and with photographs, the condition of your new apartment. Be specific when documenting areas of concern. Once you've made a list of any deficiencies, stains or damage, ask your landlord and/or superintendent to meet with you and show him or her your list. You should both sign it and keep a copy. This protects you from being charged later for damage that occurred prior to your tenancy.

It's a good idea to have a witness with you when you note the condition of your apartment, and cameras with an automatic dating feature are useful. If you're really worried about being tagged for damage done before you moved in, you can go one step further and seal the documentation and photographs in an envelope and mail it to yourself, making sure that the postmark is clearly visible -- but don't open it. Keep it sealed so that you can open it in the landlord's presence (along with a witness or two) if there's a dispute.

As a tenant, you are responsible for damage to the apartment while you're living there. The landlord is not allowed to penalize you for reasonable wear and tear. If the stove was ancient when you moved in, then it's probably not your fault if it expires during your tenancy. However, if your macaw rips up the carpet, you'll be liable for the repair or replacement.

Follow up conversations with your landlord and/or superintendent about substantive issues with a letter confirming your understanding. Keep copies of all correspondence.