Review Your Lease Before You Sign – A Quick Checklist
- How much advance notice is needed when you come to your lease term and you are planning to move?
- If you need to move out before the end of your lease term, what fees will you be responsible for?
- Check if there are any specific cleaning instructions that need to be followed before you move out. If these aren’t followed to the letter, part of your deposit may be accessed to cover these cleaning costs.
- If you need to make a change to your lease, ask to add a provision to your lease. Ask the building manager to write in the change on the lease and both you and the manager should initial the change. If the manager does not agree to your changes, if they are within reason, you may want to think of renting elsewhere. Never agree to something only verbally, make sure all agreements are put in writing.
Don’t forget, if you don’t understand something, ASK QUESTIONS! And don’t feel pressured to sign the lease right there and then on the spot. Take some time with your lease agreement and make sure you understand everything and everything is covered within it.
Don’t forget to get a copy of your lease for your records!
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