Lease agreements stand as one of the most common legal agreements that individuals encounter in their lifetimes. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that leasing has its own unique set of difficulties and potential pitfalls. That’s why, whether you are a lessee or a lessor, you must understand the landscape of a lease agreement to maintain a smooth tenancy situation.

Before giving property on lease, it is essential to create a lease agreement, which plays a pivotal role in defining the rights and obligations of both landlord and tenant. Avoiding specific errors is crucial to ensure its legal validity and safeguard your interests. 

You can confidently establish a fair and reasonable contractual foundation by finding out what common mistakes you can avoid when signing a rental contract. 

This comprehensive guide will explore the top 10 common mistakes landlords and tenants should avoid when creating lease agreements.

What is a lease agreement?

A lease agreement is a legally binding contract between the lessor and the lessee that enables the lessor (also known as the landlord or owner of the property) to permit the lessee (or tenant) to temporarily reside on and utilize the immovable property for either residential or commercial purposes.

This agreement ensures that the lessee gains rightful access to the property and, in return, makes monthly payments to the lessor. Breach of the contract terms by either party carries consequences for both parties. 

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Common mistakes to avoid in the lease agreement:

1. Not Thoroughly Reviewing the Lease Agreement

The most typical error parties often make is hastily signing the lease agreement without thoroughly reviewing its content. Parties can rush to secure a residence or fill a vacant property, potentially leading them to overlook the legal language used within the lease agreement. Failure to read the lease agreement thoroughly can result in several issues later on. Important information like pet policies, security deposits, move-out requirements, or limitations on subletting may go unnoticed by parties. 

2. Inadequate Property Description

A crucial aspect of a lease agreement is providing a detailed property description,  including the address, the number of rooms, the size of the property, and any other relevant information. A detailed property description safeguards against future disputes between landlords and tenants.

Inadequate descriptions might deter serious inquiries and applications, as tenants are less likely to engage with listings that leave them uncertain about what the property offers.

Additionally, Inadequate property descriptions in a lease agreement can have a detrimental effect on the lessee by creating potential disputes and unexpected costs.

3. Neglecting Security Deposits

Security deposits are designed to protect both tenants and landlords. It’s money given to the landlord to show the tenant’s commitment to living in and caring for the property. Whether the security deposit is refundable or not depends on the transaction details.

Security deposits are usually paid before moving in or taking possession of the property, and they are usually the same amount as the monthly rent. It may be used for repairs or appliance replacements during a lease if the damages result from the lessee's actions.

For instance, if an occupant destroys a window or permanently harms the building's floors, walls, or infrastructure, the lessor may utilize the security deposit for necessary repairs. Typically, if the place of residence is in good shape and doesn't require repairs when the lessee vacates, the security deposit will be returned to them.

4. Unclear Rent Terms

Rent is at the heart of the leasing agreement, and misunderstandings regarding rent terms can quickly sour the tenant-landlord relationship. Clarify all aspects of the rent, including the due date, what is covered by the rent, who is responsible for maintenance, the grace period permitted, and the preferred payment method, such as cash, check, or online means.  If there is a late or delayed rent fee, mention it while discussing payments and inquire about any associated fees to avoid surprises.

Unclear rent terms can lead to disputes over payment amounts, frequency, and adjustments, potentially causing strained landlord-tenant relationships and even legal conflicts. Clarity in rent provisions is crucial to ensure smooth tenancy and prevent financial and legal complications.

5. Failure to Comply with Legal Requirements

It is vital for landlords and tenants to comply with the legal requirements outlined in a lease agreement to avoid significant consequences.

Lease agreements can lead to financial penalties, legal disputes, and strained relationships when parties ignore their legal obligations.

According to Manny Garcia, a Zillow population scientist, It's important for landlords to understand their responsibilities when leasing their properties.

Tenants may file lawsuits against landlords if they don't follow the law, which requires them to provide livable conditions, keep up with necessary repairs, and protect their privacy. This could lead to the lease agreement being terminated, receiving compensation, or having repairs imposed by the court. Financial obligations may result from failing to adhere to security deposit rules and rent increase warnings.

On the other hand, the lease's terms must be followed by tenants, who are often required to pay rent on time, utilize the property properly, and respect the property's noise and occupancy restrictions. Failure to do so may result in eviction procedures, taking of security deposits, and damage claims.

6. Ignoring Maintenance and Repairs

The lease agreement should explicitly define who performs the maintenance and repairs. Identifying who will be liable for the damages can be difficult. According to the Zillow Survey, approximately 92% of landlords indicated that handling repairs and maintenance ranked among the top three most demanding responsibilities in rental property management. Landlords must do necessary maintenance and repairs as part of the implied warranty of habitability to maintain the property livable.

This covers the landlord and tenant’s duties for repairs and maintenance. Typically, landlords are responsible for all major repairs, including those caused by regular wear and tear, such as apparent mold on the walls, roof or pipe leaks, and broken appliances.

However, tenants are responsible for covering the cost of any necessary repairs or replacements if the damage was done intentionally or as a result of carelessness on the part of the lessee. In addition, if the tenant refuses to pay for any damage done during their stay, the landlord may keep a certain amount of the security deposit.

7. Ignoring Utilities and Expenses

Omitting provisions for utilities and expenses in a lease agreement can result in potential disputes and financial uncertainties between the landlord and the tenant. The parties may encounter difficulties in understanding who is liable for what costs if they fail to clearly outline their responsibilities and expectations regarding utilities (such as electricity, water, and gas) and other expenses.

This lack of transparency could result in disputes over rent, usage, and maintenance, straining the landlord-tenant relationship and possibly putting one or both parties in financial straits. Therefore, it is essential to include detailed clauses that address utility and expense allocation in the lease agreement.

8. Not Understanding Lock-In and Notice Periods

A lock-in clause states the duration during which the renter is obligated to stay within the rental property. During this period, he or she is not allowed to leave or end the lease. It can take from one to six months. 

Additionally, the tenant should provide you notice before ending the lease and leaving your property. This has been completed to ensure you can use the additional period to find a new tenant and maintain your rental income. 

Certain consequences may arise if any party breaches the lock-in period, like financial penalties, legal action, etc. 

9. Neglecting Pet and Subletting Clauses

It is common for landlords and tenants to experience tension over pet and subletting issues. The leasing agreement should be explicit on this subject. If the lessor permits pets, the lease agreement should specify any additional terms, such as the type of pets allowed (e.g., dogs, cats) and any size, breed, or number restrictions.  

A subletting clause pertains to the tenant's ability to offload part of his lease obligations to another party while he remains legally responsible.

Not including a subletting clause in the contract is risky. It may result in unauthorized subletting, a violation of the contract terms, and significant legal issues. To ensure a seamless and legally compliant leasing experience, it is essential for both parties to review and abide by the subletting provisions carefully. 

10. Termination and Renewal Procedures

A lease agreement should clearly specify termination and renewal procedures. It mandates both the tenant and the landlord to follow the contract terms. 

For instance, if the lease agreement specifies a two-month notice period, the tenant and landlord must comply.

The provision for the termination clause should be two-sided, clearly specifying that either party can terminate the agreement for any reason by providing a written notice beforehand to the other party. 

A description of how and when the agreement can be renewed, the amount of the increase in rent at the time of renewal, any provisions for re-negotiation provisions, etc., and any other relevant information pertaining to these matters should be included.  

Clarifying these points will assist in preventing misunderstandings and potential legal problems. 

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How Speedlegal Can Assist You in Avoiding These Mistakes

Here’s how   SpeedLegal can help you to analyze, understand, and manage contracts in a minute:

Identify and review workflows: SpeedLegal offers a clear analysis by identifying important keywords and highlighting clauses. Additionally, our Contract Nutrition Label™ simplifies intricate contracts, making them easy to understand. This comprehensive review eliminates confusion and ensures a clear understanding, relieving you of any headaches.

Risk Analytics: SpeedLegal's Red Flag Table™ takes contract analysis to a higher level. It carefully compares your contract to common market standards, uncovering even the smallest risks. And here's the exciting part: Our AI-powered suggestions act as your helpful companion, guiding you toward the best solutions and giving you the confidence to navigate negotiations with success.

Automation: SpeedLegal's automation features simplify routine tasks like contract renewals and reminders. Automating these processes cuts down on manual work and improves the overall efficiency of managing contracts.

Effective Document Storage and Retrieval Solutions: SpeedLegal provides a safe and convenient cloud-based storage system for your contracts, Ensuring convenient access, search, and retrieval of documents whenever needed. 

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Conclusion

A lease agreement is a legally binding agreement, so it is essential to understand all aspects before signing it. Take note of the above-mentioned vital tips before signing a lease agreement. From not thoroughly reviewing the lease agreement to not clearly specifying termination and renewal procedures, these mistakes can lead to financial strains and negative living circumstances. Always keep in mind to abide by local rules and regulations.

Choosing Speedlegal means you won't have to worry about anything regarding the lease agreement. With SpeedLegal, an AI-generative CMS solution, you can easily analyze, understand, and manage lease agreements. Understands the lease agreement through contract summary, risk analysis, and contract nutrition labels. With the help of SpeedLegal, individuals and enterprises are able to avoid mistakes in a more successful and responsible manner.