What is a rental agreement?
A rental agreement, also called a lease agreement, is a legal contract between a landlord and a tenant. It defines rent payments, security deposits, maintenance responsibilities, renewal terms, termination rights, and other rules governing the property.
What to review before signing a rental agreement
Risks to watch for
Common mistakes
- Focusing only on monthly rent and ignoring other obligations.
- Not reviewing renewal and termination clauses.
- Ignoring maintenance and repair responsibilities.
- Assuming verbal promises override the written contract.
- Signing without understanding deposit conditions.
Real-world example
A tenant signs a one-year lease without noticing an automatic renewal clause requiring 90 days' notice before termination. When the tenant decides to move out, the lease renews automatically and additional rent becomes due. Reviewing renewal terms before signing could have prevented the issue.
FAQ
Can a landlord increase rent during the lease?
Usually rent changes depend on the contract and local laws. Many leases lock rent for the duration of the term.
What happens to my security deposit?
The agreement should explain when the deposit is returned and what deductions may be made.
Can I terminate a lease early?
Possibly, but the contract may require notice periods, penalties, or specific conditions.
Who pays for repairs?
This depends on the agreement. Major structural repairs are often the landlord's responsibility, while minor damage may be assigned to tenants.
Can Lawyerless review my rental agreement?
Yes. You can upload or paste your lease agreement and receive a plain-language explanation of important clauses and risks.