A lease is a legal agreement that is presented when a landlord is going to
rent an apartment or a house to a tenant. This contract becomes binding when
both parties sign it.
What is included in a lease?
A landlord should outline everything he could think of, so that there is no
misunderstandings about what is expected from the tenant as well as the landlord.
One of the most important things in a lease should be the exact dates the lease
is good for. If the tenant is on a year lease then the dates they are to move
in and move out should be in the lease. If the lease is a month to month then
the move in date should appear and since it is a month to month then there is
no move out date.
How do I renew my lease?
A lease renewal is strictly up to the landlord. If after a year lease, if you
have been a good tenant and the landlord likes you he may extend you another
lease. If that happens make sure to get a renewal lease to sign. It is good
protection for you as well as the landlord.
As a tenant what should I look for in a lease?
As a tenant you want to have exactly what you are responsible for. Make sure
the amount of rent is included and if utilities are included make sure that
it says so in the lease. You also want a list of what the landlord is responsible
for, for example if a landlord is responsible for property care such as snow
removal if should say so. If you have any concerns go over them before you sign
the lease and make sure you get a copy with both signatures on it.
There is a common mistake that most tenants make, is that they do not read the
lease through and through, they read the top part which has the rent amount
and their name on it but it is very important that you read the lease inside
and out and because a lease is a legally binding contract that will be held
up in court if need be.
|