Before You Sign a Lease

Don’t Sign That Lease Without a Thorough Review

Have you ever signed papers without reading thoroughly? Of course, we all have. We enter into a verbal agreement and sign our names without blinking an eye. Not this time. Do not sign the Lease until you have thoroughly reviewed it and understand everything completely.

Items that should be clarified within the Lease:

How much is the Rent?
What is included in the Rent payment? Utilities? Parking? Storage?
When is it due?
Where and how is payment accepted?
What are the late charges?
When do the late charges begin?
Know the exact amount of the deposit?
When is this deposit refunded?
How can you lose your deposit?
How soon after you move out is the deposit refunded?
Is there a pet deposit?
How much is the pet deposit?
If you no longer own a pet what is the procedure for deposit refund?
What appliances are included?
Parking arrangements. Are you assigned a specific parking spot and is there an extra charge for that?
Are there any additional charges for the amenities? Pool? Clubhouse? Weight room? etc.
What maintenance and repairs are covered by the lease? If something happens, who do you call and what is turnaround time for repair?
What are some repairs not covered by the lease and what would be the cost of those repairs?

Surprises can be great for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. but you don’t want any surprises where your lease is concerned. Knowing exactly what is expected of you and your landlord will make your life a lot easier.