What terms in a lease or rental agreement should a tenant be aware of?
A renter should be cautious when signing a lease or rental agreement that contains terms that unfairly favor the landlord. The following provisions disfavor a tenant: • Automatic rent increases that are based on the landlord’s increased operating costs • Shared utility meters • An agreement to obey future rules implemented by the landlord There are some provisions that violate the law. In many states, the inclusion of the following terms will result in the invalidation of the lease or rental agreement. • “Hold harmless” clauses — a tenant waiver of the right to sue the landlord • A provision that waives the tenant’s right to a refund of a security deposit • A waiver of the landlord’s duty to keep the premises habitable • A provision that permits the landlord unrestricted entry beyond what the law allows A renter should also avoid signing a lease or rental agreement with blank spaces.
