Parts Of An Apartment Lease To Evaluate Before Signing

Posted on: 12 April 2021

When you search for an apartment to rent, you may find one that you like. When this occurs, you can tell the landlord that you want to rent the unit, and they will provide you with an application and lease. You might want to read through the lease before signing it, and as you do this, there are several things to evaluate. Here are some parts of the lease to evaluate before signing it.

The Rental Amount and Security Deposit

The lease you sign should accurately state the amount of money you agreed to pay each month for the rent. It should also state the security deposit amount you must pay to rent the unit. Reading through these lines and information can help you spot problems before signing the contract. If the amount is incorrect, tell the landlord. They can correct it before you sign your name.

The Names on the Lease

If you rent the unit with another person, you might want to check to see if they listed both names. When renting an apartment with someone, both names should appear on the lease. By placing both names on the lease, you both have the right to live in the unit. There are many other reasons you should also make sure the landlord lists both names.

The Late-Fee Policy

Finding out the late-fee policy is also a smart move. Most landlords allow a few days after the payment is due before charging a fee. If you run into a problem one month and have to pay late, you might benefit by knowing these rules.

Your Responsibilities

The apartment lease might also state the things you are responsible for as the tenant of the unit. Make sure you read through these and know them, as they can affect your decision about the unit.

Pet Rules

If you want to have a pet in the unit, you will need to read through the pet rules section on the lease. The section will state if the landlord allows pets. It will also tell you how much extra you must pay for having a pet and the rules for keeping a pet in your apartment. If you do not have a pet, you can ignore this section.

Evaluating an apartment lease before signing it is always a good idea. If you are ready to start looking for an apartment rental, contact a property manager in your area.

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