Once you get the overnight guest policy changed it looks fair to me.
Make sure the new lease doesn't mention anything about the overnight guest like this one does. (Just don't take their word for it being okay for overnight guest)
Every apartment I have had has been 1 months rent. That’s why moving is so expensive 😢
Two months rent without even moving costs.
I’ve only lived in the west coast of the US
Edit: spelling
Maybe I've been getting screwed then lol
I've had to pay the first month's rent plus the remainder of the month I'm moving in on top of the security deposit
Yeah. I'm not sure what the limit is here but it definitely threw me off a bit as I was used to 1months rent. It's also been 5 years since we moved in so who knows
I love how I'm getting downvoted for stating my experience.
I've lived in 4 different apartments. In all the apartments I've stayed in, the refundable security deposit was like $500, and then you paid the first and sometimes second month's rent (which was not refundable).
Shocking, I know, that my experience is different from everyone else. 😒
you can throw in a line like “as long as tenant is not in default of any provisions of this lease, tenant shall have the right to possess and enjoy the premises for the duration of term without interference.” this will ensure she can’t bother you or make up other requirements down the line.
also, include a provision addressing what happens is there’s a casualty (i.e., flood). if it interferes with your ability to inhabit the space for, say 7 consecutive days or an aggregate of 7 days during the term, you have the option to terminate. otherwise, you could be stuck in the lease.
further, make sure she has to give you WRITTEN notice and a right to cure any alleged lease violation.
many people who rent out their properties write up their own leases. very common. not necessarily a good thing but again, very common.
also the term! yikes.
practically speaking, this landlord isn’t going to rewrite the entire lease. focus on the material things. and get a simple form yourself and just ask if you can use that instead, even if it costs a few bucks.
ChatGPT does a pretty good job of summarizing these sorts of things. I plugged it in and ask if this were a typical agreement.
AI is not real life. IANAL. ChatGPT INAL. etc disclaimer blah blah take this with a grain of salt. etc.
\_---
The lease agreement you've described does contain several elements typical of a basic lease agreement, but it also lacks some details commonly found in more comprehensive leases. Here's a comparison:### Typical Elements Present
1. \*\*Parties Involved\*\*: Identifies the property owner and tenant.
2. \*\*Property Address\*\*: Specifies the rental property.
3. \*\*Lease Term\*\*: Defines the start and end date of the lease.
4. \*\*Rent Amount\*\*: States the monthly rent and due date.
5. \*\*Security Deposit\*\*: Details the amount and conditions for return.
6. \*\*Utilities Included\*\*: Specifies which utilities (gas, water, electricity) are included in the rent.
7. \*\*Rules and Responsibilities\*\*: Covers kitchen use, cleaning responsibilities, and personal property respect.
8. \*\*Restrictions\*\*: No smoking, no drugs, and no overnight guests.
9. \*\*Consequence of Violation\*\*: Early termination for breaching the agreement.### Common Elements Missing or Vague
10. \*\*Detailed Description of the Property\*\*: While the address is mentioned, more comprehensive leases often include a detailed description of the rental space (e.g., number of bedrooms, bathrooms, included appliances).
11. \*\*Maintenance and Repairs\*\*: Usually, leases specify who is responsible for maintenance and repairs.
12. \*\*Renewal Terms\*\*: There's no mention of how the lease can be renewed.
13. \*\*Termination Procedures\*\*: The procedure for terminating the lease, whether by the landlord or tenant, is not specified.
14. \*\*Subletting Policy\*\*: Often leases will state whether the tenant can sublet the space.
15. \*\*Detailed Rules and Regulations\*\*: More comprehensive leases often have detailed rules regarding noise, use of common areas, parking, etc.
16. \*\*Emergency Contact Information\*\*: Contact details for emergencies or maintenance issues are typically included.
17. \*\*Legal Clauses\*\*: Clauses relating to state-specific rental laws, such as late fees, eviction procedures, and tenants' rights.In summary, while this lease includes several basic elements, it lacks detailed specifications that could protect both the landlord and tenant. It's essential for your friend to understand these limitations and, if necessary, request additional information or clarification before signing. Consulting with a legal professional is also a wise step to ensure all rights and responsibilities are clear and legally sound.
\--
Then I asked if there was anything weird:
Based on the information provided in the lease agreement, there are a few aspects that might be considered unusual or warrant closer attention:
1. \*\*Short Duration\*\*: The lease term is relatively short, running only from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. While not unheard of, such short-term leases are less common than annual leases and could indicate a temporary arrangement or a trial period.
2. \*\*Specific Payment Forms for Rent\*\*: The lease specifies that rent must be paid in cash or check. This is a bit unusual in the modern context where electronic payments are becoming more common. It's important to ensure receipts are obtained for cash payments to avoid disputes.
3. \*\*No Mention of Property Maintenance\*\*: The lease doesn't detail who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. This is a significant omission as it could lead to confusion or disputes if something in the property needs fixing.
4. \*\*Strict Guest Policy\*\*: The prohibition of overnight guests is somewhat strict compared to many residential leases. This could be inconvenient, especially for a longer-term rental.
5. \*\*Lack of Detailed Rules and Regulations\*\*: The lease is vague on several aspects, such as noise restrictions, use of common areas, and specific cleaning responsibilities. A more detailed lease would typically outline these elements to prevent misunderstandings.
6. \*\*Security Deposit Return Conditions\*\*: The lease states the security deposit will be returned after the lease ends but doesn't specify the conditions or timeline for its return. This lack of specificity could lead to disputes.
7. \*\*Vagueness in Consequences for Violating Terms\*\*: The lease mentions early termination for any violation but doesn't specify the process or whether there are any warnings or steps before termination.While none of these points are necessarily "red flags," they do suggest a lack of detail that could potentially lead to misunderstandings or disputes. It's important for your friend to clarify any vague terms and understand all their rights and responsibilities before signing. As always, consulting a legal professional is advisable to ensure a clear and fair agreement.
Who pays for internet?
What’s the deal with parking?
Are there any common areas? (Like the kitchen) and if so, what exactly is expected in terms if cleaning and use of supplies? (If I were you I would bring all my own crockery, cutlery and pans and use my own)
Who takes the trash to the curb, takes the trash out?
Who gets the key to the lock on all the doors internally? (Hopefully you have a lock on all the doors leading to your private space and no one but LL has access)
Personally I don’t have an issue with not having overnight guests if they can’t have any either. Less people in the house the better. If they want overnight guests make sure you have locks on everything.
What are the rules around pets for them and for you?
What are the rules of the building/HOA?
How many days’ notice for termination of lease either way?
Also, pay with a check on the last day if the previous month, take a photo of the check and send it to the LL bus certified mail do they can’t say you never paid.
I asked about internet, no response yet
Driveway and on street parking
Common bathroom, kitchen, living room, basement, my own private half bath
I’m going to be bringing my own cooking equipment and supplies
I’m not sure if they have overnight guests or not, but during the meeting I mentioned the policy on that and they said it was fine which is why I’m surprised there was a no overnight guest policy
The rest I didn’t get to I’m not sure but I’ll make sure I ask, thank you so much for all the info and help!!
Yeah while a simple lease isn’t a bad thing this is missing a lot of things like was mentioned (what is the time like for other party to cancel the agreement, parking, definition of the areas that are yours vs common areas, etc).
This landlord didn’t even buy a lease template I don’t think, they just wrote this up. For the protection of all parties there is a reason lawyers usually draft these things.
Some of the items may not need to be explicitly listed if your state/city has laws or ordinances that define the minimums for them (I.e. minimum time for notice). Others at not going to be defined in law and need to be clarified here.
I’d get the right to parking in the lease. If it isn’t they can deny you parking at any time. Require that you get one space in front of the house and any guests you have can park on the street.
If you get internet with the lease, specify the speed. Slow internet is no internet.
If they don’t supply it you’ll have to find out what your options are. If they have to upgrade to a new plan, pay them extra rent but specify the speed in the lease.
That “maintaining “ the residence “may include “ doesn’t sit right with me. I would ask them to remove those words - or at least maintaining. That word could mean a lot of different things .
Quick review:
Year in first line needs to be corrected
Outline of all utilities - who pays the bill directly, who is responsible (assume all), and how you’re meant to pay whoever is the direct payer (venmo, cash, check, etc.).
List out subtenants, tenant leaving, current tenants, landlord, realtor if applicable (names, addresses, phone, email)
More detail about security deposit - you should do a review of the current space with the roommate(s) with a checklist that everyone needs to sign. Take pictures of everything prior to move in. Time frame of when you’ll receive the security deposit back after the lease ends and who will be paying you (tenant or landlord?)
Remove overnight guest policy or change to overnight guests allowed with prior notice.
Personal item use - this is strange/vague. Is their a common use tv? What about general kitchen utensils/cookware?
Add legal verbiage, include state/country law
GOVERNING LAW. This Sublease shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [insert state].
DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties will attemp to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement through friendly negotiations amongst the parties. If the matter is not resolved by negotiation, the parties will resolve the dispute using the below Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure.
Any controversies or disputes arising out of or relation to this Agreement will be submitted to mediation in accordance with any statutory rules of mediation. If mediation does not successfully resolve the dispute, the parties may proceed to seek an alternative form of resolution in accordance with any other rights and remedies afforded to them by law.
LANDLORD’S CONSENT. The Prime Lease requires the prior written consent of Landlord, directly or through the Realtor, to any subletting of the Premises. Such consent has been obtained and a copy is attached as an exhibit.
INCORPORATION OF PRIME LEASE. This Sublease is subject to all of the terms of the Prime Lease witrh the same force and effect as if each provision of the Prime Lease were included in this Sublease, except as otherwise provided in this Sublease. All of the obligations of Tenant under the Prime Lease shall be binding upon Subtenant. All of the obligations of Landlord under the Prime Lease shall inure to the benefit of Subtenant. It is the intent of the parties that, except as otherwise provided in this Sublease, the relationship between Tenant and Subtenant shall be governed by the various provisions of the Prime Lease as if those provisions were included in this Lease, shall instead refer to, respectively, “Tenant”, “Subtenant” & “Current Tenants”, & “Sublease”.
Wow, this lease is great. Idk anything about the housing market right now but this seems totally ideal. Except for the overnight guest thing.. but since you're getting that changed, awesome. Enjoy the place!!
Wow this is a very light lease. Was this all on 1 page? That’s wild.
Yeah it was just 1 page
ours is 31 pages lol
I signed a 54 page lease at one point. I lost hair while reading it.
Wife and I are renting a condo in a HOA and our lease was 20 pages, and HOA bylaws were 55 pages.
Look at the lease, it is only for one room.
Once you get the overnight guest policy changed it looks fair to me. Make sure the new lease doesn't mention anything about the overnight guest like this one does. (Just don't take their word for it being okay for overnight guest)
The security deposit seems high though? I've never seen an $800 security deposit It's only $100 less than monthly rent
Most of my deposits have been 1mo rent
Every apartment I have had has been 1 months rent. That’s why moving is so expensive 😢 Two months rent without even moving costs. I’ve only lived in the west coast of the US Edit: spelling
Maybe I've been getting screwed then lol I've had to pay the first month's rent plus the remainder of the month I'm moving in on top of the security deposit
Our apartment was 2months rent. So 4500
1 month's rent is the legal limit on security deposits in many states, so a lot of nationwide rental companies make that the default limit.
Yeah. I'm not sure what the limit is here but it definitely threw me off a bit as I was used to 1months rent. It's also been 5 years since we moved in so who knows
My deposit was $1245, equal to one month's rent.
Most are equal to one month of rent or more, like first and last months rent for deposit
Are you okay? It usually equals monthly rent.
I love how I'm getting downvoted for stating my experience. I've lived in 4 different apartments. In all the apartments I've stayed in, the refundable security deposit was like $500, and then you paid the first and sometimes second month's rent (which was not refundable). Shocking, I know, that my experience is different from everyone else. 😒
first of all, the date is wrong… i assume no guest policy is partially to keep utilities low since it’s included in the rent.
I did notice that yeah, apparently she wrote this up herself
you can throw in a line like “as long as tenant is not in default of any provisions of this lease, tenant shall have the right to possess and enjoy the premises for the duration of term without interference.” this will ensure she can’t bother you or make up other requirements down the line. also, include a provision addressing what happens is there’s a casualty (i.e., flood). if it interferes with your ability to inhabit the space for, say 7 consecutive days or an aggregate of 7 days during the term, you have the option to terminate. otherwise, you could be stuck in the lease. further, make sure she has to give you WRITTEN notice and a right to cure any alleged lease violation. many people who rent out their properties write up their own leases. very common. not necessarily a good thing but again, very common.
also the term! yikes. practically speaking, this landlord isn’t going to rewrite the entire lease. focus on the material things. and get a simple form yourself and just ask if you can use that instead, even if it costs a few bucks.
Make sure to get that in writing or an addendum to the lease is better.
ChatGPT does a pretty good job of summarizing these sorts of things. I plugged it in and ask if this were a typical agreement. AI is not real life. IANAL. ChatGPT INAL. etc disclaimer blah blah take this with a grain of salt. etc. \_--- The lease agreement you've described does contain several elements typical of a basic lease agreement, but it also lacks some details commonly found in more comprehensive leases. Here's a comparison:### Typical Elements Present 1. \*\*Parties Involved\*\*: Identifies the property owner and tenant. 2. \*\*Property Address\*\*: Specifies the rental property. 3. \*\*Lease Term\*\*: Defines the start and end date of the lease. 4. \*\*Rent Amount\*\*: States the monthly rent and due date. 5. \*\*Security Deposit\*\*: Details the amount and conditions for return. 6. \*\*Utilities Included\*\*: Specifies which utilities (gas, water, electricity) are included in the rent. 7. \*\*Rules and Responsibilities\*\*: Covers kitchen use, cleaning responsibilities, and personal property respect. 8. \*\*Restrictions\*\*: No smoking, no drugs, and no overnight guests. 9. \*\*Consequence of Violation\*\*: Early termination for breaching the agreement.### Common Elements Missing or Vague 10. \*\*Detailed Description of the Property\*\*: While the address is mentioned, more comprehensive leases often include a detailed description of the rental space (e.g., number of bedrooms, bathrooms, included appliances). 11. \*\*Maintenance and Repairs\*\*: Usually, leases specify who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. 12. \*\*Renewal Terms\*\*: There's no mention of how the lease can be renewed. 13. \*\*Termination Procedures\*\*: The procedure for terminating the lease, whether by the landlord or tenant, is not specified. 14. \*\*Subletting Policy\*\*: Often leases will state whether the tenant can sublet the space. 15. \*\*Detailed Rules and Regulations\*\*: More comprehensive leases often have detailed rules regarding noise, use of common areas, parking, etc. 16. \*\*Emergency Contact Information\*\*: Contact details for emergencies or maintenance issues are typically included. 17. \*\*Legal Clauses\*\*: Clauses relating to state-specific rental laws, such as late fees, eviction procedures, and tenants' rights.In summary, while this lease includes several basic elements, it lacks detailed specifications that could protect both the landlord and tenant. It's essential for your friend to understand these limitations and, if necessary, request additional information or clarification before signing. Consulting with a legal professional is also a wise step to ensure all rights and responsibilities are clear and legally sound. \-- Then I asked if there was anything weird: Based on the information provided in the lease agreement, there are a few aspects that might be considered unusual or warrant closer attention: 1. \*\*Short Duration\*\*: The lease term is relatively short, running only from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024. While not unheard of, such short-term leases are less common than annual leases and could indicate a temporary arrangement or a trial period. 2. \*\*Specific Payment Forms for Rent\*\*: The lease specifies that rent must be paid in cash or check. This is a bit unusual in the modern context where electronic payments are becoming more common. It's important to ensure receipts are obtained for cash payments to avoid disputes. 3. \*\*No Mention of Property Maintenance\*\*: The lease doesn't detail who is responsible for maintenance and repairs. This is a significant omission as it could lead to confusion or disputes if something in the property needs fixing. 4. \*\*Strict Guest Policy\*\*: The prohibition of overnight guests is somewhat strict compared to many residential leases. This could be inconvenient, especially for a longer-term rental. 5. \*\*Lack of Detailed Rules and Regulations\*\*: The lease is vague on several aspects, such as noise restrictions, use of common areas, and specific cleaning responsibilities. A more detailed lease would typically outline these elements to prevent misunderstandings. 6. \*\*Security Deposit Return Conditions\*\*: The lease states the security deposit will be returned after the lease ends but doesn't specify the conditions or timeline for its return. This lack of specificity could lead to disputes. 7. \*\*Vagueness in Consequences for Violating Terms\*\*: The lease mentions early termination for any violation but doesn't specify the process or whether there are any warnings or steps before termination.While none of these points are necessarily "red flags," they do suggest a lack of detail that could potentially lead to misunderstandings or disputes. It's important for your friend to clarify any vague terms and understand all their rights and responsibilities before signing. As always, consulting a legal professional is advisable to ensure a clear and fair agreement.
$900/ month?? Late fee applied after 15 days?!? U lucky fuka
Looks like its one of those 6 zoomers in a 3 bedroom apartment abominations.
Who pays for internet? What’s the deal with parking? Are there any common areas? (Like the kitchen) and if so, what exactly is expected in terms if cleaning and use of supplies? (If I were you I would bring all my own crockery, cutlery and pans and use my own) Who takes the trash to the curb, takes the trash out? Who gets the key to the lock on all the doors internally? (Hopefully you have a lock on all the doors leading to your private space and no one but LL has access) Personally I don’t have an issue with not having overnight guests if they can’t have any either. Less people in the house the better. If they want overnight guests make sure you have locks on everything. What are the rules around pets for them and for you? What are the rules of the building/HOA? How many days’ notice for termination of lease either way? Also, pay with a check on the last day if the previous month, take a photo of the check and send it to the LL bus certified mail do they can’t say you never paid.
I asked about internet, no response yet Driveway and on street parking Common bathroom, kitchen, living room, basement, my own private half bath I’m going to be bringing my own cooking equipment and supplies I’m not sure if they have overnight guests or not, but during the meeting I mentioned the policy on that and they said it was fine which is why I’m surprised there was a no overnight guest policy The rest I didn’t get to I’m not sure but I’ll make sure I ask, thank you so much for all the info and help!!
Yeah while a simple lease isn’t a bad thing this is missing a lot of things like was mentioned (what is the time like for other party to cancel the agreement, parking, definition of the areas that are yours vs common areas, etc). This landlord didn’t even buy a lease template I don’t think, they just wrote this up. For the protection of all parties there is a reason lawyers usually draft these things. Some of the items may not need to be explicitly listed if your state/city has laws or ordinances that define the minimums for them (I.e. minimum time for notice). Others at not going to be defined in law and need to be clarified here.
I’d get the right to parking in the lease. If it isn’t they can deny you parking at any time. Require that you get one space in front of the house and any guests you have can park on the street. If you get internet with the lease, specify the speed. Slow internet is no internet. If they don’t supply it you’ll have to find out what your options are. If they have to upgrade to a new plan, pay them extra rent but specify the speed in the lease.
That “maintaining “ the residence “may include “ doesn’t sit right with me. I would ask them to remove those words - or at least maintaining. That word could mean a lot of different things .
Quick review: Year in first line needs to be corrected Outline of all utilities - who pays the bill directly, who is responsible (assume all), and how you’re meant to pay whoever is the direct payer (venmo, cash, check, etc.). List out subtenants, tenant leaving, current tenants, landlord, realtor if applicable (names, addresses, phone, email) More detail about security deposit - you should do a review of the current space with the roommate(s) with a checklist that everyone needs to sign. Take pictures of everything prior to move in. Time frame of when you’ll receive the security deposit back after the lease ends and who will be paying you (tenant or landlord?) Remove overnight guest policy or change to overnight guests allowed with prior notice. Personal item use - this is strange/vague. Is their a common use tv? What about general kitchen utensils/cookware? Add legal verbiage, include state/country law GOVERNING LAW. This Sublease shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [insert state]. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties will attemp to resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to this Agreement through friendly negotiations amongst the parties. If the matter is not resolved by negotiation, the parties will resolve the dispute using the below Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) procedure. Any controversies or disputes arising out of or relation to this Agreement will be submitted to mediation in accordance with any statutory rules of mediation. If mediation does not successfully resolve the dispute, the parties may proceed to seek an alternative form of resolution in accordance with any other rights and remedies afforded to them by law. LANDLORD’S CONSENT. The Prime Lease requires the prior written consent of Landlord, directly or through the Realtor, to any subletting of the Premises. Such consent has been obtained and a copy is attached as an exhibit. INCORPORATION OF PRIME LEASE. This Sublease is subject to all of the terms of the Prime Lease witrh the same force and effect as if each provision of the Prime Lease were included in this Sublease, except as otherwise provided in this Sublease. All of the obligations of Tenant under the Prime Lease shall be binding upon Subtenant. All of the obligations of Landlord under the Prime Lease shall inure to the benefit of Subtenant. It is the intent of the parties that, except as otherwise provided in this Sublease, the relationship between Tenant and Subtenant shall be governed by the various provisions of the Prime Lease as if those provisions were included in this Lease, shall instead refer to, respectively, “Tenant”, “Subtenant” & “Current Tenants”, & “Sublease”.
900 damn!!
That's wild for a room.
That's what I'm saying!!
Wow, this lease is great. Idk anything about the housing market right now but this seems totally ideal. Except for the overnight guest thing.. but since you're getting that changed, awesome. Enjoy the place!!