{"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":"2026-09-23T14:59:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T19:59:00","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":"Before You Sign: What Tenants Should Know About Lease and Rental Agreements"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Before You Sign: What Tenants Should Know About Lease and Rental Agreements<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/katrina-wilson-esq\/\">Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            September 23, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <div id=\"DjhWbbc9F6RHwYuzYxtiS-content-0\">\n<ul>\n<li>A lease is a legally binding contract, so you should understand every clause before signing.<\/li>\n<li>Key terms like rent amount, duration, fees, and maintenance rules determine what you\u2019re responsible for as a tenant.<\/li>\n<li>Reading carefully and asking questions upfront helps you avoid surprises and ensures the agreement reflects what you were promised.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"DjhWbbc9F6RHwYuzYxtiS-content-1\"><\/div>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"fl-rich-text\">\n<p>Your lease or rental agreement is a legally binding contract between you and your landlord. It&#8217;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&#8217;t understand.<\/p>\n<p>This FindLaw article explains some concepts about lease and rental agreements. Learn about important lease terminology and what to look for before signing a lease agreement.\u00a0<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>A lease is a legal contract. Make sure you know what you&#8217;re signing. Consult a local <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landlord-tenant attorney<\/a> for help. They can explain lease terms, spot illegal clauses, and negotiate terms that may not serve you well.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Understanding Leases and Rental Agreements<\/h2>\n<p>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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-is-the-difference-between-a-month-by-month-lease-and-a-fixed.html\">month-to-month lease.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>The terms of the agreement should clarify your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and the landlord&#8217;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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/what-is-the-implied-warranty-of-habitability.html#:~:text=The%20implied%20warranty%20of%20habitability%20is%20an%20understood%20promise%20that,the%20United%20States%20consider%20important.\">warranty of habitability.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Your lease or rental agreement is a legally binding contract, so you should understand your agreement before you sign.<\/p>\n<h2>Types of Leases<\/h2>\n<p>The type of lease you sign depends on how you intend to use the rental property.<\/p>\n<p>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 for business, you will likely sign a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-operations\/commercial-lease-agreement-overview.html?DCMP=google:ppc:TRLNA:21219027752:697523326956:162222442275&amp;HBX_PK=&amp;sid=9008062&amp;source=google~ppc&amp;tsid=latlppc&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5ePXwKezhgMV8k1HAR2edw6CEAAYAiAAEgJSIfD_BwE\">commercial lease agreement<\/a>. This article focuses on residential lease agreements.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2>Reviewing Lease or Rental Agreement Terms<\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s essential to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/landlord-tenant-dictionary.html\">understand the different terms<\/a> your landlord or property management company may use in a residential lease. These terms include, but aren&#8217;t limited to, the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Names and contact information of the landlord and all tenants<\/li>\n<li>Security deposit amount<\/li>\n<li>Duration of tenancy<\/li>\n<li>Amount of rent<\/li>\n<li>Due date for monthly rent payments<\/li>\n<li>Instructions on how to pay rent<\/li>\n<li>Late fees for late rent<\/li>\n<li>Pet policy<\/li>\n<li>Occupancy terms (how many people can live in the rental property)<\/li>\n<li>Sublet instructions<\/li>\n<li>End date of agreement<\/li>\n<li>Disclosures for mold or lead-based paint<\/li>\n<li>Conduct that may trigger an eviction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Read the lease carefully in case additional restrictions apply. For example, some landlords won&#8217;t allow smoking in the unit or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/what-to-do-about-a-neighbor-s-noise-faqs.html\">may restrict noise levels<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Review the Agreement for Red Flags<\/h2>\n<p>Review your rental application and proposed lease for any red flags. For example, federal and most state laws prohibit\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/civilrights\/discrimination\/housing-discrimination.html\">housing discrimination\u00a0<\/a>and ban discrimination in renting, selling, or financing real estate. The federal\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.hud.gov\/program_offices\/fair_housing_equal_opp\/fair_housing_act_overview\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fair Housing Act<\/a>\u00a0prohibits discrimination based on one of the following protected characteristics:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Race<\/li>\n<li>Religion<\/li>\n<li>Ethnicity<\/li>\n<li>Gender identity or sexual orientation<\/li>\n<li>National origin<\/li>\n<li>Familial status<\/li>\n<li>Physical or mental disabilities<\/li>\n<li>Age<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Security Deposit<\/h2>\n<p>Pay close attention to any information regarding your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposits.html\">security deposit.<\/a>\u00a0Many state laws regulate how much a landlord can ask for a security deposit. State laws also determine the time frame within which your landlord must return your security deposit. Security deposits give landlords financial assurance against any damage to the rental unit.<\/p>\n<p>Before you move out, check your rental lease agreement for instructions. Typically, tenants give their landlords or property managers a 30- or 60-day notice of their intent to vacate the rental unit.<\/p>\n<p>Before you leave, you should arrange a move-out inspection to ensure there is no damage. Many renters include this request in their written notice. If you can&#8217;t arrange such a meeting, take pictures or a video of the rental unit after you&#8217;ve cleaned it. Landlords can only deduct for actual damage, not\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/security-deposits.html#:~:text=Security%20Deposit%20Deductions&amp;text=Normal%20wear%20and%20tear%20include,cost%20of%20repairs%20for%20damages.\">normal wear and tear<\/a>. Normal wear and tear includes faded marks on a carpet or broken blinds.<\/p>\n<h2>Changing the Lease<\/h2>\n<p>At some point during your tenancy, you may need to change the lease terms. For example, if one of your roommates moves out, you may need to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/adding-a-roommate-to-your-lease.html\">replace them on the lease<\/a>. Or you may need to sublease your rental unit.<\/p>\n<p>The best approach is to ask your landlord to make these changes. Many landlords will allow these changes for a fee.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to change one or more lease terms significantly, make the request in writing. That way, your landlord can consider the request without pressure to respond immediately. A written request will also help clarify what you want to change about the lease.<\/p>\n<p>If the landlord or property manager agrees, work with them to create a new lease with the relevant provisions changed.<\/p>\n<h2>Breaking the Lease<\/h2>\n<p>Breaking a lease is more than a massive inconvenience for the landlord and tenant. It is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/what-is-the-most-common-legal-remedy-for-breach-of-contract.html\">breach of contract<\/a>, which means you&#8217;re likely responsible for paying rent for the rest of the lease.<\/p>\n<p>But any party to a contract has a duty to mitigate. This means the landlord must find a new tenant as soon as possible. Renters typically are not responsible for rent after a new tenant moves in.<\/p>\n<p>If you need to break your lease, tell your landlord as soon as possible. This gives them time to find a new tenant and may reduce your damages.<\/p>\n<p>Your landlord likely can&#8217;t change the lease without your consent. If they do, it&#8217;s a breach of contract.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>Breaking a lease can have serious implications on your rental history. Don&#8217;t go about it lightly. <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find local legal help.<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2>Signing a Lease? Legal Help Is Available<\/h2>\n<p>In most situations, you don&#8217;t need an attorney to review a lease agreement before you sign. But certain situations benefit from a lawyer&#8217;s expertise, such as signing a long residential lease or a high-value commercial lease. A lawyer can ensure the terms are in your best interest and spot any issues you may want to negotiate with the landlord.<\/p>\n<p>Get help reviewing your lease or rental agreement and get sound legal advice today. FindLaw\u2019s directory of\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/landlord-tenant\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">landlord-tenant lawyers<\/a> can get you started. Because your state\u2019s laws are relevant, your attorney should be licensed in the state where the rental property is. Enter your city or ZIP code for a list of legal professionals in your area.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        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class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                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     class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    A lawyer&#8217;s expertise can be helpful for all types of contracts, including a lease\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Some tenant or neighbor disputes may need the help of local police\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex real estate issues (such as construction defects or illegal landlord actions) may need an attorney&#8217;s help\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Buying or selling a home, facing foreclosure, or mortgage loan issues can benefit from legal expertise. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/real-estate-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL43\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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