Lease Agreement Tricks

As a renter, signing a lease agreement can be a nerve-wracking experience. There`s a lot to understand when it comes to legal jargon, and it`s important to make sure you aren`t being taken advantage of by tricky lease agreement clauses. Here are some of the most common lease agreement tricks to keep an eye out for.

1. Hidden Fees

One of the most common tricks that landlords use is adding in hidden fees to your lease agreement. These fees could include anything from administrative fees to move-in fees. To avoid being caught off guard, make sure you read through your lease agreement carefully and ask your landlord about any fees that aren`t clearly stated.

2. Automatic Renewal

Many lease agreements will include an automatic renewal clause, which means that your lease will automatically renew at the end of your lease term unless you give notice otherwise. If you aren`t aware of this clause, you could find yourself stuck in another year-long lease without intending to be. Make sure you understand your lease agreement`s renewal policy and set a reminder to notify your landlord if you don`t intend to renew.

3. Limited Maintenance Rights

In some lease agreements, there may be a clause that limits your maintenance rights. This could mean that you`re responsible for certain repairs or that you`re restricted from making changes to the property without permission from your landlord. Before signing, make sure you understand your maintenance responsibilities as a tenant and any restrictions that may limit your ability to live comfortably in the property.

4. Security Deposit Restrictions

Security deposits are often a part of lease agreements, but some landlords may include clauses that limit your ability to get your deposit back. This could include clauses that restrict the types of repairs you can make or that limit your ability to dispute any deductions from your deposit. Make sure you understand your security deposit policy and any restrictions that may affect your ability to get your full deposit back.

5. Break Fees

Breaking a lease agreement can be expensive, but some landlords may include break fees that are exorbitant and unreasonable. Make sure you understand what your break fees are before signing a lease agreement and make sure they`re in line with industry standards.

Signing a lease agreement is a big responsibility, so it`s important to make sure you understand every detail before agreeing to anything. Keep an eye out for these common lease agreement tricks and don`t be afraid to ask your landlord questions or negotiate certain clauses. By being diligent, you can ensure that you`re getting a fair and reasonable lease agreement.