Reviewing your lease/contract
Your lease is a legally binding contract between you and the landlord. It's primary purpose is to protect the landlord and you.
What should your lease contain?
Your lease for your
apartment for rent should contain the following items:
- What day the rent is due. This is typically the 1st, but it might be different.
- What’s the length of the lease and what will happen once the lease expires?
- If there’s late charges applicable and when the late charges begin.
- The total amount of the deposit and what it covers.
- Where to pay rent and who to make out the check to.
- If pets are allowed.
- Are there noise restrictions.
- Is subletting or roommates allowed?
- What’s included in the rent? Utilities, cable, internet etc.
- Is the unit furnished?
- What happens if you terminate the lease before it's expiry date?
If the landlord mentions any of these terms verbally, but it’s not in the contract you should be careful since a verbal agreement is hard to prove.
You should always ask the landlord what his expectation are of you. This shows that you’re serious about
being a good renter, but you also know up front what he expects of you so no misunderstandings will occur.
This is not legal advice. Always ensure that you follow applicable Tenancy and Bylaw Regulations.
Save to del.icio.us