Apartment Lease Review Checklist
Why Review Your Lease Carefully
Your lease is a legally binding contract that governs where you live for the next year or more. Taking 30 minutes to review it carefully can save you thousands of dollars and significant stress.
The Checklist
Rent & Payments
- Monthly rent amount is clearly stated and matches what was advertised
- Due date and grace period — know exactly when rent is due and how many days before a late fee kicks in
- Late fees — confirm the amount is reasonable (typically 5-10% of monthly rent)
- Accepted payment methods — check if online payment is available
- Security deposit amount and conditions for its return are clearly documented
Living Space
- Unit details — address, unit number, included parking/storage match what you were shown
- Condition report — document any existing damage before move-in
- Included amenities — confirm what's included (appliances, laundry, parking, utilities)
- Guest and pet policies — understand restrictions before signing
Maintenance & Repairs
- Landlord's repair obligations are clearly stated
- Emergency maintenance process and timeline is documented
- Your responsibilities — what maintenance falls on you (typically minor items like lightbulbs)
Duration & Termination
- Lease term start and end dates are accurate
- Renewal terms — does it auto-renew? What's the notice period?
- Early termination — what's the penalty? (Typically 1-2 months rent)
- Move-out notice requirement (usually 30-60 days)
- Subletting — is it allowed? Under what conditions?
Legal Protections
- Entry notice — landlord must provide advance notice before entering (typically 24-48 hours, varies by state)
- Discrimination protections — lease should not include discriminatory terms
- Dispute resolution — how are disputes handled?
Common Mistakes
- Not reading the lease at all — never sign anything you haven't read
- Ignoring automatic renewal clauses — you could be locked in for another year
- Skipping the move-in inspection — document everything with photos
- Not asking about verbal promises — if the landlord promised something, get it in writing
When to Consult a Lawyer
Consider legal advice if the lease contains unusual clauses you don't understand, if the security deposit seems excessive, or if you're being asked to waive any rights that may be protected by your state's tenant protection laws.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.