What Should I Look For Before Signing a Lease?

Start with the money sections

Rent amount, due date, grace period, late fee, and how payments are made. Confirm the total move-in cost in writing: first month, last month, deposit, pet fee, and any administrative fee.

Security deposit

Look for what can be deducted, the deadline for returning it, and whether an itemized list is required. Photograph everything on move-in day.

Lease term and automatic renewal

Find the end date, then find the notice window. Many leases renew automatically unless you give written notice 30 to 60 days out.

Early termination

Is there a buyout fee? Is it one month, two months, or the remainder of the lease? Military, job-relocation, and domestic-violence exceptions may exist in your state.

Repairs and maintenance

Note which repairs you pay for, how to submit a request, and what happens if the landlord does not respond.

Entry, guests, and subletting

Check the notice required before the landlord enters, guest-stay limits, and whether subletting needs written approval.

Rules, fees, and attachments

Community rules and addenda are part of the contract. If an exhibit is referenced but missing, ask for it before signing.

One last pass

Read the lease once for money and once for exits. Those two passes catch most surprises.