Understanding Your Lease

• Renter responsibilities: As a renter, you have both rights and responsibilities — like paying your rent and utilities, maintaining your unit, and promptly reporting any needed repairs – that you should understand.
• Landlord responsibilities: Along with their own set of rights, your landlord has responsibilities too, which typically include keeping the property safe and sanitary, performing maintenance, and complying with federal and state Fair Housing Act regulations.

• Rent payment: The lease document should show how much you’ll pay, when payment is due, and how to pay it. It should also explain any grace periods and late fees for overdue payments.
  • Rent increase: If you’re renewing your lease, check how the new rent amount compares to your current rent.
• Lease period: This outlines the start and end dates for the lease.
• Security deposit: This is a refundable deposit paid to cover potential damage to your rental unit beyond normal wear and tear.

• Property rules: These rules may apply to conduct in common areas — like walkways, the pool area, the fitness center, or parking — or restrict certain in-unit activities, such as pets, smoking, or noise during certain hours.
• Lease termination policy: These are the terms by which you can end your lease before the end of the lease term. Typical policies require a payment of 1 to 2 months’ rent and 30 to 60 days’ notice. In some situations, you may be able to avoid an early termination fee by subletting your apartment.

Grounds for eviction typically include unpaid rent, repeated or severe violations of building rules, or criminal activity. A landlord’s ability to evict a tenant is determined by local law, so the specifics differ depending on where you live.