If you're wanting to rent a townhouse, condo or apartment located within a larger complex there are some things you need to do to inform yourself. Here are a few tips.

Make sure the lease agreement stipulates the kind of parking privileges you will have. It can make a big difference if you can park your car right outside your rental rather than having to walk a quarter mile away to a common parking lot.

Be sure the rental agreement indicates when your security deposit will be returned. If you don't get this spelled out in writing you could be vulnerable. Some unscrupulous property managers have been known to take six months to return security deposits.

If there are recreational facilities in the complex make sure they are available to you at no extra charge or at an extra fee you can live with. Make sure the hours of a availability fit in with your schedules.

Finding out information like this in advance can prevent you from having unpleasant experiences later on.