Reading & Understanding a lease

After Reading a lease, You should be able to answer these questions:

  • When does my lease start? When does it end?

  • How much is the security deposit for the unit? How do I get my security deposit back when I move out?

  • How much is the monthly rent? Are there any additional costs, such as pet rent or amenity fees?

  • When is the rent due each month? Are there any late fees that would apply?

  • How or where do I pay rent?

  • Are pets allowed? Do I need to provide any documentation for service or emotional support animals?

  • Which utilities do I need to set up before moving in? Which utilities are included in the rent, or paid to the landlord?

  • Who should I contact for maintenance issues?

  • How much notice does the landlord have to give me before entering the apartment?

  • What happens if I need to move out early? Is subletting (when a tenant rents their unit to someone else) allowed?

  • How should the apartment look when I move out?

What the heck does that even mean?

(Common Lease jargon…Translated)

Lease:

Term:

Dwelling Unit:

Per Diem:

VRLTA: