What you are signing.
WHY IT MATTERS
It governs the relationship and it is what applies when there is a dispute.
WHAT IT SHOULD STATE
The parties The property, described specifically The term and its start date The rent and payment arrangements The deposit and conditions for return What is included Responsibilities for repairs Restrictions on use Notice required by each party Conditions for termination
WHY REPAIR RESPONSIBILITY SPECIFICALLY
It is the commonest source of dispute during a tenancy.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Who repairs what, and within what period.
WHAT TYPICALLY FALLS TO THE LANDLORD
Structure and roof Major systems Anything that existed and failed
WHAT TYPICALLY FALLS TO THE TENANT
Minor maintenance Damage caused by them Consumables
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Where the line sits, in writing.
WHAT TO READ CAREFULLY
Anything about termination Anything permitting entry Anything about increases Anything about what happens to the deposit Restrictions you may not be able to comply with
WHY ENTRY PROVISIONS
Landlords entering without notice is a frequent complaint.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Notice required before entry, except in emergency.
WHAT TO AVOID
Signing without reading Accepting verbal assurances that contradict the document Agreements with blank spaces Agreements naming someone other than the owner without explanation
WHY BLANKS
They are completed afterwards.
WHAT TO OBTAIN
A signed copy, kept safely.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That both parties hold identical copies.
