Ten Terms to Include in Your Rental Lease Agreement
A rental lease agreement will set out the terms that tenants and landlords have agreed to follow in their relationship. It’s a legally-binding contract along with being a practical reference document packed with important information such as when rent is due and how long a space will be occupied. No matter if the rental agreement is short or long, handwritten or typed, it needs to inform of the basic terms and conditions of tenancy.
Keyrenter has put together a list of the most important things to include in your rental lease agreement:
1) All Tenant Names
This includes the names of all adults who will be living in the rental property so as to make each party responsible for the rent, upkeep, and proper use of the space. Landlords will be able to seek out the entire rent from a single person in the event that the others skip out or refuse to pay for whatever reason.
2) Occupancy Limits
Make sure to specify that your rental property is only for the use of the tenants and their legal minor children. This makes sure that you have the power to control who lives at the property with proper screening.
3) Rent
Include in the rental lease agreement the amount of rent that is to be paid and the date by which it is due. Also include the acceptable methods of payment in the document along with penalties if the tenant is late.
4) Tenancy Length
Every rental lease document needs to include if the rental is a fixed-term or an alternative renting situation. Rental agreements typically run month to month, self-renewing unless terminated by the tenant or landlord.
5) Repairs and Maintenance Details
The best way to avoid constantly spending money on repairs and maintenance is to set forth clear tenant responsibilities in the rental lease documents. Tenants should be expected to alert landlords regarding dangerous conditions around the property, including inside the home along with properly maintaining the property’s cleanliness and landscaping.
6) Fees and Deposits
Security deposits are frequently issues of tension between landlords and tenants. To avoid legal drama, make sure you’re clear on the dollar amount of the security deposit (that also is within any state laws), how it may be used, if you will return the deposit, and how, as well as any legal non-refundable fees.
7) Activity Restrictions
Include in your rental lease agreement clauses prohibiting illegal and otherwise disruptive behavior. Antisocial behaviors among tenants are one of the top reasons for lawsuits and evictions.
8) Entryways to the Rental Property
Landlords should include in rental agreements their rights to enter the property and how much advance notice is needed to be given beforehand to the tenants. This protects each party from privacy violations.
9) Pets
If you’re a landlord that doesn’t allow pets, make sure that’s explicitly stated in your rental lease paperwork. If you have strict limitations on pets, such as limiting to only certain animals or dog breeds, then make sure that’s equally clear.
10) Miscellaneous Clauses
Always make sure that your rental agreement paperwork complies with the relevant laws of your area, state, and federal government. A local rental management company such as Keyrenter will have a complete understanding of various state and federal laws to make sure that your property is maximally profitable while remaining within the scope of the law.
Important rules and regulations along with the minutiae of pathways renters can cross can seem overwhelming. Businesses run from home, legal and illegal activity, house guests, noise, and more must be taken into account. That’s why it’s important to choose a top-rated rental property management company like Keyrenter to handle the headache for you. If you’re ready to maximize your property’s potential, reach out to us today via phone or email to learn more!