Renting a new home can be exciting, but it’s important to understand what you’re signing.

A rental agreement is a legal document that outlines the rules and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords.

Before signing a rental agreement, tenants should carefully review key details to avoid future problems and protect their rights.

Many renters rush through paperwork, only to discover issues later that could have been avoided with proper attention.

Smart renters know that taking time to check important items in a lease can save money and prevent headaches.

The following checklist covers essential things to review before committing to a rental property.

Lease Duration and Renewal Terms

The lease duration sets the time commitment for both tenant and landlord, while renewal terms determine what happens when that period ends.

Understanding these elements helps you avoid unexpected move-out requirements or rent increases.

Lease Start and End Dates

Rental agreements must clearly state when your tenancy begins and ends. Most leases run for 12 months, but you might find options ranging from month-to-month to multi-year terms.

Check if the start date aligns with your moving plans.

Can you move in early? Will you be charged for the full month if you move in mid-month?

Pay attention to what happens when your lease ends. Some agreements automatically convert to month-to-month tenancies, while others may require renewal or move-out.

Important to verify:

• Exact start and end dates (day, month, year)
• Prorated rent for partial first/last months
• Notice period required before move-out (typically 30-60 days)
• Penalties for breaking the lease early

Renewal Options and Conditions

Renewal terms dictate how and when you can extend your stay beyond the initial lease period. These terms affect your housing stability and future costs.

Look for language about rent increases during renewals. Some leases cap yearly increases at specific percentages, while others might allow unlimited hikes.

Key renewal elements to review:

• Required notice period for renewal intention (usually 30-90 days before lease ends)
• Process for requesting renewal
• Conditions that might prevent renewal
• Whether renewal is automatic or requires a new agreement
• Any changes to terms that apply upon renewal

Be wary of clauses that allow landlords to modify lease terms during renewal with minimal notice. This could lead to unexpected changes in your living situation.

Financial Considerations

Renters need to understand all the financial obligations in a lease to avoid surprises and budget properly. The following money matters require careful attention before signing any rental agreement.

Monthly Rent and Due Date

The rent amount should be clearly stated in your lease agreement. Check if the amount matches what was advertised or discussed previously. This is the foundation of your financial commitment.

Look for the specific due date each month. Most landlords require payment on the 1st, but some may offer grace periods before late fees apply.

Verify acceptable payment methods. Some landlords prefer electronic transfers while others accept checks or cash. Understanding this helps you plan ahead.

Ask about rent increases. Some leases include automatic increases after the initial term or specify the maximum percentage a landlord can raise rent upon renewal.

Confirm if utilities are included in the rent or if you’ll pay them separately. This significantly impacts your monthly budget.

Security Deposit and Conditions for Return

The security deposit amount should be clearly defined. In many areas, laws limit this to 1-2 months’ rent. Know exactly what you’re required to pay upfront.

Check the timeline for deposit returns after move-out. Most states require landlords to return deposits within 21-30 days, with an itemized list of any deductions.

Review what conditions must be met to receive your full deposit back. Normal wear and tear shouldn’t result in deductions, but damage beyond this likely will.

Ask if your deposit earns interest. Some states require landlords to place deposits in interest-bearing accounts and return the interest to tenants.

Request documentation of the property’s condition before moving in. Take photos and note existing damage to prevent disputes later.

Additional Fees and Penalties

Look for late payment penalties in the agreement. These typically range from $25-$100 or a percentage of the monthly rent.

Check for early termination fees if you need to break the lease. These can be substantial, often 1-2 months’ rent or more.

Be aware of any maintenance fees. Some properties charge for using amenities like pools or gyms, or for routine maintenance services.

Identify any application fees, credit check fees, or administrative costs. These one-time charges should be disclosed before signing.

Pet fees or deposits deserve special attention if you have animals. These might include a one-time pet deposit, monthly “pet rent,” or both.

Property Use and Restrictions

Understanding how you can use your rental property is crucial before signing any agreement. These restrictions affect your daily life and can limit what you’re allowed to do in your new home.

Occupancy Limits and Guest Policy

Most rental agreements specify the maximum number of people who can live in the property. This number is typically based on local housing laws and the size of the unit. For example, a one-bedroom apartment might allow a maximum of two permanent residents.

Guest policies outline how long visitors can stay. Many landlords limit guest stays to 7-14 consecutive days before they’re considered unauthorized occupants.

Common Occupancy Restrictions:

• Maximum number of overnight guests
• Duration of guest stays
• Notification requirements for extended visits

Violating these terms can lead to eviction, so review them carefully before signing.

Pet Policy and Related Deposits

Pet policies vary widely among rental properties. Some landlords prohibit all pets, while others allow certain types with restrictions.

Common Pet Terms to Review:

Policy Element	What to Check
Pet deposits	Non-refundable vs. refundable
Monthly pet rent	Additional cost per pet
Weight/breed restrictions	Size limits and prohibited breeds

Many landlords charge a pet deposit ($200-500) to cover potential damage. This may be in addition to a monthly “pet rent” of $25-50 per animal.

Always get pet permissions in writing, even if verbally approved. This protects you from future disputes.

Alterations and Decorating Restrictions

Rental agreements typically limit what changes you can make to the property. Most landlords prohibit permanent alterations like painting walls, installing new fixtures, or changing flooring without permission.

Common Alteration Restrictions:

• Nail holes and wall hangings
• Paint colors and wallpaper
• Installing shelves or mounting TVs
• Landscape modifications for houses

Some landlords provide more flexibility with written approval. Others may allow changes if you restore the property to its original condition before moving out.

Review these terms carefully to avoid losing your security deposit for unauthorized modifications.

Maintenance and Repairs

Understanding maintenance responsibilities helps prevent disputes and ensures your living space remains in good condition. Clear guidelines about who fixes what and how to handle emergencies can save you stress and money down the road.

Tenant and Landlord Responsibilities

Your rental agreement should clearly outline who handles different types of maintenance. Typically, landlords are responsible for structural issues, major appliances, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. This should be explicitly stated in writing.

Tenants usually handle minor maintenance like changing light bulbs, replacing batteries in smoke detectors, and basic cleaning. The agreement should specify these responsibilities without ambiguity.

Look for clauses about lawn care, snow removal, and pest control. These tasks often cause disagreements if not clearly assigned beforehand.

Red flags to watch for:

• Vague language about repairs
• Unreasonable tenant repair responsibilities
• No timeline for landlord response to maintenance requests
• Clauses making tenants responsible for pre-existing conditions

Emergency Procedures and Contacts

The agreement should provide clear instructions for handling emergencies. This includes water leaks, electrical problems, heating failures, and security issues that need immediate attention.

Check for:

• 24-hour emergency contact numbers
• Alternative contacts if the primary person is unavailable
• Maximum response times for different severity levels
• Instructions for emergency situations

The document should explain when tenants can authorize repairs themselves. Some agreements permit tenants to arrange repairs up to a certain dollar amount during emergencies when the landlord cannot be reached.

Look for information about reimbursement procedures. The process for getting repaid for emergency repairs should be straightforward and documented.