Instructions: This document is meant to assist prospective tenants in finding a rental unit. 

The Bridges Program is available in       (name of city),       (name of county). 

Where to Look	
1.	Check the classified section of local newspapers under Apartments, Duplex/Townhouse, or House for Rent. Sunday newspapers have the largest listings; however, most suburban and small communities have a weekly local newspaper. 
2.	Check bulletin boards in laundromats, supermarkets, credit unions, etc. 
3.	Check with friends, relatives or neighbors. 
4.	Look for yard signs offering “Apartment/House For Rent” in the area where you want to live. 
5.	Check with real estate offices or rental agencies. (NOTE: You may be required to pay a fee, and payment of a fee does not guarantee that you will find suitable housing.) 
6.	Call HousingLink and ask for a listing of units for rent in the area where you would like to live. HousingLink can be reached at 612.522.2500 or www.housinglink.org 
Questions to Ask Prospective Landlords 	
1.	What is the number of bedrooms in the rental unit?
2.	How much is the rent? 
3.	What utilities, if any, are included in the rent? What utility costs will the tenant have to pay? 
4.	Are there any special restrictions, such as no pets or no children? 
Make an Appointment  	
If the housing for rent might be what you are looking for, ask for an appointment to see it. Be sure to keep the appointment and be on time. You may want to arrive early to look around the neighborhood. Do not take a lot of friends or children with you to look at the apartment; you want to give your full attention to discuss the rental unit and to present yourself at your very best. 
Negotiating the Lease  	
If you find a unit you like, make sure the rent is within the Maximum Allowable Rents. Contact your Bridges Program representative to verify that the rent meets the guidelines and that the unit is in a community covered by the Bridges Program.