Written by Tana Fye and Sheri Crosier
Before signing any sort of agreement, a tenant has a right to view the unit they are looking to rent. The tenant may request that repairs be made before moving in, however they should get any repair agreements in writing, before signing a lease. Upon moving in, if any new problems are discovered, it is possible that a tenant can break the lease. However, it is always important to speak with a lawyer before ending your lease.
A tenant always has the right to read a lease before signing it, and they have a right to receive a signed copy of that lease. A lease should include things such as: length of lease, amount of rent and due date of rent, utilities, repairs, and increase in rent. It can include a vast majority of things, but these are some basics. If a landlord chooses to increase the rent for a tenant, he/she must do so at least 30 days before the next rent payment is due, and notice must be given in writing. This would also need to be addressed in the lease agreement as well.
Additionally, if a landlord chooses to issue a “Notice to Quit” on a tenant, they must do so in writing, delivered by either mail, in person, or left at the door. The Notice must inform the tenant of the reason for terminating the lease, as well as the length of time given to vacate the premises (typically 30 days, although this depends on the reason given).
As a tenant, it is your responsibility to keep the unit clean and safe, be respectful to your neighbors, and uphold your end of the lease agreement. It is your landlord’s responsibility to keep your unit up to housing code standards and address any health and safety concerns. The landlord must maintain safe living conditions for all of the tenants. If the landlord is not upholding his/her end of the deal, and you wish to end your lease, it is best to consult a lawyer first, then present to them, in writing, that you wish to end the agreement, and your reasoning for doing so.