What You Should Look For On Your Lease

You're about to sign the lease on your new apartment, and whether it's your first or your fifth, actually reading through your lease is one of the most important steps you can take.  That piece of paper is legal and binding and will dictate your home life for the next six months or year at the least.

But we get it, the lease is filled with big words in small print and tons of confusing legalese.  If you've been confused by your lease in the past, we are here to help.  We'll point you to the terms you should look for before signing.  So keep reading to learn what you should look for on your lease, and click this link to read the full article.

The basics

At the very least, a lease should contain these key points:

1. The lease term: Make sure you know—down to the exact date—when you have to re-up or move.
2. Upfront fees: Security deposit, pet fee, rent paid in advance (if you paid for it, it must be listed).
3. Rent term and due date: How much you owe and when you need to pay it.
4. Late fee: How much you’ll pay if you miss the rent deadline.
5. Security deposit return: Your state puts a limit on return times, but what you should get back, and when, should be clearly spelled out in the lease.

And remember, the lease is legally binding. Once signed, your landlord can’t change anything without your written permission. If he does, say, increase the rent midlease, you have the right to sue or possibly terminate the lease.

Occupants

Beyond the basics, your lease will likely have several other clauses, like “occupants.” Sure, you’re technically an occupant, but for the purpose of the lease, you’re the lessee (aka the person the landlord can go after if something goes wrong). Typically, roommates sign on as co-lessees, so everyone is equally responsible. Spouses, children, and other family members, however, can be listed as co-lessees or occupants (meaning they live there but aren’t legally responsible for maintaining the rules of the lease).