I would want all the proposed renovations in writing. Is she planning to live in the Apartment while the renovations are happening? I'd also want a discount on rent for the inconvenience while that is going on- she's going to have workers who are unknown to her wandering in and out while she's presumably at work, and there will be mess.

What above poster said - its pretty standard practice to have a n adendum to the lease which is a list of repair items with dates work will be done by, signed by both parties.

I moved into a apt before the renovations and they were never done, tell your friend to think twice about that, getting it in writing is a must as Collenn posted

The agent wants my friend to sign a lease tomorrow. Now if they refuse to put in writing the renovations can she offer to sign the lease on the 15 (move in date) after a walk through and seeing the completed renovation. The agent is claiming she has to sign within three days of approval which is tomorrow.

That's like the guys who show up on your doorstep selling vacuum cleaners at inflated prices, prices they convince you to pay because "this price is for today only". If the agent was above board they would have no issues noting the renovations and completion dates on the lease. Trying to manouevre your friend into signing without it shows they're hoping not to have to go to the trouble of renovating.

This apartment is not meant to be for your friend.

Id be surprised if they refused to put it in righting as its pretty much standard operating procedure for a lot of landlords. If they dont that would tell me a lot about what theyd be like as landlords - too loosey-goosey, telling you things without any real intention of following through, etc.

They are refusing. The agent sent an email relaying what the owner said but it's not directly from owner.

Then clearly they don't actually intend to do the renovations if they think they can get away with not doing them. I would not sign- or else I would expect a discounted rent in return for putting up with the unrenovated apartment. They could increase the rent just as soon as the renovations were finished.

Definitely in writing!