Tenant's Considerations Before Signing a Lease Agreement

Signing either a short-term or long-term lease is a major commitment that should not be taken lightly. The court system is overloaded with legal challenges by tenants and landlords. Most of these can be avoided by the tenant addressing the lease with a businesslike posture.

As a matter of principle, persons should never sign any agreement involving future financial and behavioral commitments until the agreement, in this case a lease or rental agreement, has been completely read, understood and considered. But, it is not enough to simply read the lease. The prospective tenants should not only read but fully understand all stated terms in the lease and ask questions and get written responses to questions that might arise during the term of the lease.

When considering a rental agreement, never sign the document, extend any security deposit or secure the property with a partial deposit until. The lease is read reviewed and completely understood. With leases, it is usually the unstated, presumed terms that cause the biggest problems.

Extra Considerations

Let’s begin by understanding that the only bad question is the one you did not ask. Your goal must be to eliminate the misunderstanding before it occurs.

Common rental misunderstandings:

Who will pay the utilities? - It never hurts to be specific about your responsibilities regarding payment of utilities. Which ones are you responsible to pay? Where is the thermostat? Who controls it? Where are the gas meters and electric meters? These are all reasonable concerns.

What is the estimated utility cost? – In most states, the landlord is obligated to provide prospective tenants with an Energy Efficiency Disclosure Statement. You can verify the estimated by contacting the provider. If something seems out of line, question it and get the answers.

Bedbugs – Bedbugs have become a major concern in many areas. The landlord is not legally permitted to rent an apartment or house with active bedbugs. You have the right to ask about an inspection or the last time the house or apartment was treated.

Smoking Policy – In most states, the landlord must furnish a written smoking policy as either part of the lease or by separate written statement. Rad and make sure you can live with the policy.

Parking – Many disputes revolve around parking. If you are guaranteed off-street parking, get the specifics in writing.

Surety Bond – Some landlords can ask that you provide a surety bond. Surety bonds can be expensive and usually will not receive your fee back even if you do not owe the landlord money when the lease has run its course. You cannot be forced to purchase a surety bond.

Pre-occupancy Inspection – Perform a walk thorough inspection with the landlord and a camera. Photograph the condition of the apartment before you take possession. Check all appliances and request any necessary repairs in writing as a condition of your tenancy. Also, check the window and doors and make sure they lock securely,. If not, request they be fixed before you occupy. All requests before and during your tenancy should be in writing and you should retain copies of these requests.

If you follow these steps, you will know if your landlord is responsible. If not, find another place to live and do not sign the lease.