What to Read Closely Before You Sign a Lease

The first page of your lease holds the basic facts. Find the lease term start and end dates. Confirm they match the move-in date you discussed. Check the exact monthly rent amount and the due date. See where and how rent must be paid. Find the security deposit amount and any other move-in charges listed. These numbers should match what you saw in the listing and application. If anything is different, ask for a correction before signing. Do not assume a verbal agreement overrides the written lease.

Look for a section about lease renewal. It may say the lease becomes month-to-month after the initial term. It may require you to give notice if you plan to leave. Find the notice period, often 30 or 60 days. Notice is usually required in writing. The lease may specify how to deliver it. Some leases auto-renew unless you give notice. Know the deadline. Missing it can lock you in for another full term. If you plan to stay, check if rent can increase upon renewal. The lease may state how much notice you get of a rent change. Ask how renewal offers are communicated.

Your lease defines who fixes what. Read the maintenance section carefully. It lists repairs the landlord handles. It also lists tasks you must do. Common tenant duties include changing light bulbs, replacing HVAC filters, and keeping drains clear. The lease may require you to report problems promptly. Know how to submit a maintenance request. Check if there are rules about what you can repair yourself. You are usually not allowed to hire your own contractor for major repairs. The lease may mention emergency repairs. Know what qualifies and who to contact. For non-emergencies, use the established resident channel. Never assume a repair is the landlord's job without checking the lease.

Leases have rules about use of the property. Look for a guest policy. It may limit how long a guest can stay. Having a guest move in without permission can be a lease violation. Find the pet policy if you have or plan to get an animal. It may ban pets entirely or require a separate pet agreement. Do not assume a pet is allowed. If you need an assistance animal because of a disability, that is not a pet. Review the Fair Housing page and contact Braud Properties to ask about a reasonable accommodation. Check the rules on alterations. This includes painting, hanging pictures, or installing shelves. Most leases require written permission before making any changes. Even small holes for nails can be prohibited.

Do not guess which utilities are included. The lease should have a section listing them. It states which services the landlord pays and which you must put in your name. Common resident-paid utilities are electricity, water, sewer, and gas. The lease may list the utility providers. Verify this yourself for your exact address. For Monroe water, contact the City of Monroe Utility Billing office. For electricity, contact the provider for the service address. Ask how the billing is structured if some utilities are included. For example, water might be included but with a clause about excessive use. Know where the meters are located. You may need to provide readings at move-in and move-out.

This section tells you how to get your security deposit back. It outlines the condition you must leave the unit in. It lists cleaning expectations. These often include cleaning appliances, floors, and bathrooms. It may require professional carpet cleaning. Note any specific tasks. The lease states how and where to return keys. Keep proof you returned them. The lease should explain the inspection process. You may have the right to be present. Provide a written forwarding address when you leave. This is required for the landlord to send any deposit accounting. Postal forwarding is not a substitute. Review the move-out steps early so you can plan your cleaning and timing.

If a clause is confusing, ask for clarification. Do not rely on a summary from someone else. Get answers in writing if possible. Use the contact form for prospective renters if you have questions before applying. For questions about a specific lease, ask the leasing professional presenting it. Confirm any verbal promises are added to the lease. Cross out blank spaces in the lease before signing. Make sure you receive a fully executed copy with all signatures. Keep this copy in a safe place. Refer to it during your tenancy. Your lease is the rulebook for your rental. Understanding it from the start prevents disputes later.