How do Late Fees work?
It is legal for a landlord to charge late fees, but all fees must be disclosed in the lease. A common example of late fees pertains to rent. Rent is typically due by the 1st of every month. A landlord… Read More
Lease
Can I break my lease?
A landlord may agree to let a tenant out of a lease early. This should be given to the tenant in writing in case a dispute was to come up. If the landlord refuses to let a tenant out of the lease… Read More
Should I have roommates ready by the time I sign the lease?
Yes, absolutely! Under no circumstances should you sign a lease without your roommates! All tenants need to sign the lease and understand the contract each tenant is liable for. If choosing to sign a lease without having roommates ready, the… Read More
How much notice does a landlord have to provide to enter your unit for maintenance and repairs?
12 hours (may be shorter with tenant consent or for emergency situations). More information can be found in Step 16: Living in Your New Home of our Rental Timeline.
How much notice is required to terminate for non-payment or Breach of Lease – year lease?
14 days.
How much notice is legally required to terminate for a month-to-month lease?
28 days.
I just attended a showing and the landlord told me there are several people looking at the apartment and they expect the apartment to go fast. The landlord recommended we sign the lease right then and there. Should I sign the lease quickly to ensure I get the apartment first?
Never feel pressured to sign something right then and there. If you encounter a landlord that is pressuring you into signing something quickly, walk away! Landlords who pressure you are likely trying to prevent you from noticing something and carefully… Read More
Do people actually read their leases before signing?
Yes, it is always important to read the fine print before signing. UWM’s University Legal Clinic can provide help understanding the lease contract before signing. Since the lease spells out the tenant`s and landlord`s responsibilities, it is important for both… Read More
Are automatic lease renewal provisions enforceable?
Yes, they are enforceable provided the landlord serves the tenants with written notice no more than 30 days and no less than 15 days from the tenant’s option date to renew the lease. A 60-day automatic renewal clause may be… Read More
What is an Automatic Lease Renewal?
Automatic Lease Renewals are clauses included in leases that will automatically extend your lease for another lease term unless the tenants give notice, they plan to leave the lease. Tenants with a year lease must be reminded 15 to 30 days in… Read More