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Signing A Lease

Table Of Contents

Rental Agreements
Tips On Leasing
When Should I Sign A Lease

Rental Agreements

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The rental agreement is the backbone of your understanding with your landlord. Agreements can be written or oral and can last for any amount of time. Oral agreements, however, constitute a month-to-month lease and require one month’s notice to end the agreement.

It’s important to remember to read your lease carefully before you sign it. This is a legal agreement, and you will be held responsible for what you sign.

What Can Be Included

• Amount of rent to be paid
• When, where, and to whom the rent is to be paid
• Term length of rental agreement
• Number of tenants and their names
• Who is responsible for paying utilities (tenant or landlord)
• Requirement that tenant must tell landlord if tenant will be away from rental property for an extended period of time

What Can't Be Included

• Agreement to give up right or protection under landlord-tenant law
• Agreement to pay other person’s attorney fees
• Agreement in advance to forgive the other party for any responsibility for damages that may occur in the future to the property
• Agreement to “confess judgment” (lose automatically) if a legal dispute arises

Tips on Leasing

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• Check condition of dwelling before moving in. Ask about bug problems, noise, prior rent increases, building security, bus routes, and the quality of appliances and plumbing. Keep in mind that your landlord will be reluctant to convey any negative information about the rental unit, so it may be helpful to contact Housing Inspection Services to inquire if the property has had previous housing code violations. If at all possible also try contacting former tenants.
• Make sure the price range fits your budget (including ‘hidden’ costs like utilities, parking, and living expenses).
• Determine the amount of the security deposit. This can be up to two months worth of rent.
• Read the lease thoroughly and make sure all items are understood. Pay close attention to rules regarding: subletting, paying rent, upkeep, repairs, utilities, pets, lease dates, guest rules, maximum occupancy, and parking.
• Negotiate with the landlord any special terms desired. Make sure any amendments, special terms or oral agreements are written out and signed by all parties.
• Some landlords require that the rent be paid in one check and will refuse your rent if you and your roommates offer separate checks.
• Check the lease to see if the landlord permitted to change the rules and regulations during the term of the lease.
• Get an inspection checklist from the landlord or TLA, to fill out upon moving in. This documents the original condition of the rental unit, which reduces the possibility of unnecessary deductions from the deposit. Have all parties on the lease go over the checklist together and keep signed and dated copies.

When Should I Sign a Lease?

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Before you jump into something you are unsure of, JUST CHILL. Keep in mind that if you don’t sign a lease right now, it does not mean you will not find a place to live. Many of the larger rental agencies try to pressure students into signing a lease right away, and give the impression that if you don’t sign now…you won’t find a place to live. This is completely false!! In fact, most landlords are not even ready to begin signing leases until mid-March or April.