What should I look for in lease?

  • The name and address of the landlord and tenant(s)
  • The address of the rental property
  • Where to send the rent
  • The agreed upon monthly rent amount, with or without utilities (be specific – Heat? Water? Parking? Cable/Internet?)
  • When the rent is due (e.g. on the first day of the month)
  • The amount and terms of the security deposit
  • Which repairs are your responsibility and which are at the request of the landlord
  • Who is responsible for shoveling snow, cutting the lawn and who will supply the tools to do so
  • Specific restrictions, such as no additional tenants, smoking, pets
  • The notice period that the tenant is required to give when terminating tenancy, such as 60 days prior to end of lease
  • Subletting rules
  • When and how a landlord can enter the rental premises
  • Conditions for termination of a lease (by either party)
  • Terms for dispute resolutions (late rent, damage, repairs)
  • Emergency contact information for tenant(s) and landlord (phone, e-mail)