Renting -- Lease Checklists

Renting -- Lease Checklists

A lease is a legal contract, so a person needs to know the terms and rules before signing it. Most leases are on standard forms. It is legal for landlords to add extra written conditions to standard agreements, even on a separate page. Make sure the landlord's specific additions are also legal. Carefully, read everything that is added to preprinted leases. If you have questions or something seems unfair, check with an attorney, tenant organization or legal aid service.

Read the lease carefully to find answers to the following checklist. Then ask the landlord where to find answers for your questions that aren't in the lease. If there isn't a written agreement or lease, ask the landlord to answer your questions in writing.

Here are the checklist questions:

How long does the rental agreement or lease last - one month or a whole year?
How much is the rent? When is it due? Is there a penalty for late payment?
How and where do you pay your rent? To whom do you pay your rent?
Are there payments you must make in addition to the rent, such as a security deposit, parking, or utilities?
When can the rent be increased?
Who can live in the apartment? Normally it's only people listed on lease.
How long can visitors stay with you? What happens if they stay longer?
What happens if you need to move before your lease period ends?
Can you have pets? What kind or size?
Are you responsible for maintenance and repair, like clogged plumbing if it's your fault?
How do you report emergency and non-emergency problems? The landlord's contact name, telephone number, and address should be included in the lease.
Who is responsible to assure the smoke detectors work?
When can the landlord enter the apartment for repairs or inspections?

For more information, read the Minnesota Attorney General's publication, Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities. Call 651-296-7206 or 1-800-657-3787 to request a copy.

Title:	Renting -- Lease Checklists	Number:	850
Script writer:	Rosemary Heins	Source:	Univ of MN Ext Service, RentWise project
Date:	2003	Reviewer:	Marilyn Bruin

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