Decode this · Sample document
A lease page, explained
The clauses that cost money: rent and late fees, the deposit, roommates, entry and moving out. Sample only: every name and number is made up.
3. Rent. Tenant shall pay $1,100.00 per month, due on the 1st, by online portal. A late fee of $50.00 applies if rent is received after the 5th 1.
4. Security deposit. Tenant shall pay a deposit of $1,100.00, to be returned as required by law, less lawful deductions 2.
5. Joint and several liability. Each person signing this lease is responsible for the full rent and all charges 3.
9. Entry. Landlord may enter with 24 hours' written notice during normal business hours, or without notice in an emergency 4.
14. Notice to vacate. Tenant must give 30 days' written notice before moving out 5.
What the numbers mean
- Money terms. Find the rent, the exact due date, how you pay, the late fee and when it starts. California's guide lists these as terms a lease should state (California DRE).
- The deposit. Write down the amount and how you get it back. Landlords generally can't charge your deposit for normal wear and tear (Texas AG).
- Roommates. With a joint and several clause, every signer is responsible for all the rent and all damage, no matter how you split it (GW Off-Campus Housing).
- Entry. In California, 24 hours' written notice is presumed reasonable, during normal business hours, except in an emergency (California DRE).
- Moving out. Many leases require 30 days' notice as a condition of getting your deposit back (Texas AG).
Sources
- California Department of Real Estate California tenants guide (PDF)
- Texas Attorney General Renters' rights
- George Washington University Joint and several liability