What Every Future Tenant Should Know Before Signing a Lease

Think of your lease as your golden ticket! It is the one document that can protect your rights and inform you of everything you need to know for the duration of your tenancy. But a lease is much more than your ‘bill of rights,’ it is a way to negotiate the tenant-landlord relationship, can help you keep your security deposit, and is a way to ensure the obligations of your landlord are fulfilled. Let’s look at what you should look out for when you are presented with a lease.

The Security Deposit

You want your security deposit back at the end of your lease right? Here’s how you can get it back.

Regularly maintain your unit. Keep the space organized and clean it by washing the floors and vacuuming. If you stain the carpet, clean it immediately, cause something as small as a stain could compromise the deposit. Regular cleaning, avoiding fixtures such as knocking a nail into the wall, and getting repairs done quickly can help secure your deposit.

Who is Responsible for Maintenance?

Your landlord or property manager should have a general maintenance team consisting of HVAC, plumbing, and utility professionals. They will come in on a scheduled basis to check that all systems are working correctly and efficiently. If there’s a problem with any of your services, don’t try to fix it yourself, contact the landlord. Professionals should provide fast and effective services to prevent future repairs and inconvenient damages. Remember, if you are responsible for any damage in the apartment, then you may be liable for payment.

Do You Pay Utilities?

Utilities include your water and electricity. Don’t assume that it’s included in the lease when you sign a rental contract. Rent may be paid separately to the utilities depending on the apartment.

Rent Calculations

In your lease, you will find a breakdown of your monthly rent. It should also state whether the landlord has the right to increase the monthly rent during your tenancy or upon its renewal.

Ending a Lease

Your lease will also provide an explanation of ending your rental contract. It is not ideal to break a lease and finding alternative legal options can help you prevent the financial penalties. If your circumstances do change and you cannot maintain the lease, the next step is to explain your situation to the landlord. If you assist in finding a new tenant or sublease you may negotiate the costs of ending the lease. The lease will detail the penalties involved and whether you will have to pay for the deposit and rent or a few months' rent to cover the costs.

Psychology graduate and content creator