There are many forbidden actions described in a lease that you need to be aware of before signing. Lease forms can be entirely different one from another, so it is imperative that you read through every new contract you are asked to sign.
If you have already signed a contract, it is not too late to protect yourself from legal prosecution or financial damage. Get out the lease forms that you have signed and read them over now.
One paragraph to look out for includes who is allowed to occupy the property. Usually, only the tenants who enter into the agreement with the landlord are expected and allowed to occupy the property. However, what happens when an aging parent needs a place to live? If you would like to offer your rented property for them to stay in, make sure you look over the occupancy paragraph first. If they are staying with you for an amount of time to exceed two weeks, you will probably need to notify your landlord. The landlord will augment your rent to include the additional tenant, as per the terms of your lease.
Some forms contain aesthetic conditions. For example, you may not be able to park your car in the parking lot or driveway of the property if it is leaking fluids. You may not be allowed to repair or wash your car in the driveway. Your car must, also, be in working condition.
Before making changes to the property, you will want to read the lease forms thoroughly. Most lease contracts contain restrictions that include: changing the locks, painting the walls, installing home appliances, installing new carpeting or cabinets, placing signs on the premises, covering the windows, installing an alarm system, using the garbage disposal improperly, and making other home improvements. Sometimes, you just need to make a written request to the landlord to get their permission to make the improvement.
Other times, the landlord will not grant you permission for the improvements even after a formal request, and if you make such improvements without consent you could face fines. If you painted the walls, for example, the landlord could charge you for the price of paint to get the walls changed back to their original color and the price to pay a professional painter to do it. But if you handle the relationship with proper form landlord tenant relations will grow stronger.
Be mindful of every one of the lease forms you sign, they are legal forms so that you know your rights as a tenant. If you cannot agree to the terms of the lease, then you need not sign the forms. There are other properties out there and chances are you will find a contract with slightly different terms, so do not feel pressured into signing the first contract you hold in your hands. Take your time, and get it right the first time!
Tags: carpeting, garbage disposal, home appliances, home improvements, landlord, lease contracts, lease forms, legal prosecution, new contract, painting the walls