Your Lease Contract: Apartment Moving

Those who have decided that moving to an apartment works best for their current lifestyle are undoubtedly called upon to sign a lease. A lease is simply a written contract that is entered into by the landlord (the person or entity that is offering the apartment for rent) and the tenant(s) (the person or people who are renting the apartment). A lease is a legal document, and while most apartment leases include general wording, each and every lease is different from the next. It is of the utmost importance, therefore, that before moving to an apartment you thoroughly read and understand the terms of your lease before signing.

The Basic Inclusions

The standard terms of an apartment lease outline the obligations of both the landlord and the tenant. Such information will include the names of the tenant(s) and landlord, address of the apartment, the cost of the apartment rental – including weekly or monthly rent, any additional maintenance fees, the amount and terms of the security deposit, and the length of the rental. Most apartment rentals run year to year, although there are some that are offered month to month. In either case, the lease will layout the terms of vacating the apartment, including how much notice the tenant(s) must give to the landlord in order to avoid additional fees and, conversely, how much notice the landlord must give to you should they decide that they wish you to vacate the apartment at the end of the lease.

Such inclusions are generally standard to an apartment lease but should not be taken lightly regardless. Be sure to read every word of any lease prior to moving to an apartment. If you are unsure of the language consult an attorney who will read the lease and alert you to any inconsistencies.

Additionally, if you are apartment moving with one or more roommates, be sure that their names are listed on the lease along with your own. This will ensure that responsibility for the conditions of the lease is shared by all those who occupy the apartment.

Special Inclusions

Aside from the basic lease inclusions, there are always some additions included in a lease that are dependent upon the special circumstances of the rental. Such additional terms may include utilities supplied by the landlord as a part of your rent and policies of the apartment complex including noise, pets, subletting, late rental payments, etc. These policies are especially important to read before signing a lease and moving to an apartment; it is important that the apartment is conducive to your lifestyle.

Getting Your Security Deposit Back

A security deposit is paid by tenants to the landlord to protect the landlord from damages that may occur in the apartment during the length of the lease. Generally, the security deposit is equal to one month’s rent and is paid to the landlord prior to moving to an apartment. This deposit is kept by the landlord and prior to you moving out - if your apartment is in good condition – the security deposit is returned to you. For this reason, it is crucial that you thoroughly inspect your apartment prior to your move-in date. That way, any damage that already exists can be noted on your lease so that you are not held responsible and your security deposit is not affected.