{"id":369269,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-leases-and-rental-agreements.html"},"modified":"2024-06-17T14:59:00","modified_gmt":"2024-06-17T19:59:00","slug":"tenant-leases-and-rental-agreements","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/tenant-leases-and-rental-agreements.html","title":{"rendered":"What Tenants Should Know About Lease and Rental Agreements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Tenants Should Know About Lease and Rental Agreements<\/h1>\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Your lease or rental agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord. It’s the cornerstone of your relationship with your landlord. Before renting a house or apartment, you should read your agreement thoroughly. Ask questions about anything you don’t understand.<\/p>\r\n

This FindLaw article explores some concepts about lease and rental agreements.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding Leases and Rental Agreements<\/h2>\r\n

Before looking for a new house or apartment, you should understand leases and rental agreements. These two terms are not synonymous. Lease agreements typically cover a fixed term for one or two years. Rental agreements usually cover shorter-term periods, like a month-to-month lease.<\/p>\r\n

The terms of the agreement should help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and the landlord’s rights and responsibilities. For example, as a tenant, you must pay rent on time. Your landlord must ensure that your rental unit meets the local standards for the warranty of habitability.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Your lease or rental agreement is a legally binding contract, so you should understand your agreement before you sign.<\/p>\r\n

Types of Leases<\/h2>\r\n

The type of lease you sign depends on how you intend to use the rental property.<\/p>\r\n

If you plan to live in the rental property, you will likely sign a residential lease or rental agreement. If you plan to rent a commercial property, you will likely sign a commercial lease agreement. This article focuses on residential lease agreements. Please check out this FindLaw<\/a> article for more information on commercial lease agreements.<\/p>\r\n

Reviewing Lease or Rental Agreement Terms<\/h2>\r\n

It’s essential to understand the different terms of the leases that your landlord or property management company may use in a residential lease. These terms include, but aren’t limited to, the following:<\/p>\r\n