10 Provisions Tenants Should Examine in Residential Lease Agreements

Rent Provisions: Tenants should examine the rent amount, due date, and accepted payment methods. Additionally, they should look for information on grace periods, late fees, and rules regarding rent increases.
Security Deposit: Tenants should understand the required security deposit amount, the conditions under which deductions can be made, and the timeline for the return of the deposit after the lease ends.
Maintenance and Repairs: Tenants should be aware of their responsibilities regarding maintenance and repairs, as well as the landlord’s obligations. They should also be clear about the process for reporting issues and procedures for handling emergency repairs.
Lease Term and Renewal: Tenants should examine the lease duration (fixed-term or month-to-month) and the process for lease renewal or non-renewal. They should also be aware of any automatic renewal clauses or rent adjustments upon renewal.
Early Termination and Penalties: Tenants should understand the conditions under which they can terminate the lease early, the required notice, and any penalties or fees they may incur.
Rules and Regulations: Tenants should examine the lease for any property-specific rules, such as quiet hours, pet policies, smoking restrictions, parking rules, and guidelines for making modifications or alterations to the property.
Subletting and Assignment: Tenants should be aware of their rights to sublet or assign the lease, as well as any requirements for obtaining the landlord’s consent and the procedures for subletting or assigning the lease.
Right to Entry: Tenants should understand the landlord’s right to enter the property, the notice requirements, and reasons for entry, while also being aware of their own privacy rights.
Liability and Insurance: Tenants should examine the lease for provisions on liability for damages or injuries and any renters’ insurance requirements. They should also know the landlord’s liability and property insurance coverage.
Dispute Resolution: Tenants should be familiar with the processes for resolving disputes, including communication channels, mediation or arbitration clauses, and available legal remedies.