What steps should I take before signing a lease agreement?

As a lawyer, I would advise you to take the following steps before signing a lease agreement:

1. Read the lease agreement carefully: Before signing your lease agreement, you must read it carefully and understand all the terms and conditions mentioned in it. Ensure that everything is clear, and if you have any doubts, ask the landlord or property manager to clarify it.

2. Check for hidden costs: You must check for any hidden costs such as maintenance fees, utility fees, and others that may not be mentioned explicitly in the agreement. If there are any hidden costs, ensure that they are reasonable and well-documented.

3. Inspect the property: Before signing the lease agreement, you must inspect the property thoroughly for any damages, repairs, or maintenance issues. Make sure that the landlord addresses all the concerns before you sign the agreement.

4. Check the termination policy: You must check the termination policy mentioned in the lease agreement. You should have a clear understanding of the penalties and fees associated with breaking the lease agreement.

5. Negotiate the terms: It's essential to negotiate the terms of the lease agreement to ensure that the terms are favorable to you. You may negotiate the rent, the security deposit, the length of the lease, and other conditions.

6. Get everything in writing: Ensure that all the agreements, negotiations, and promises, are documented in writing before signing the lease agreement. This will avoid any confusion or misunderstandings in the future.

In conclusion, before signing a lease agreement, ensure that you have read and understood all the terms and conditions, checked for hidden costs, inspected the property, checked the termination policy, negotiated the terms, and get everything in writing. If you have any doubts or concerns, seek legal advice from a licensed attorney specializing in landlord-tenant law.