A Checklist For Reviewing Leases – Part I

It is of vital importance for both landlords / tenants making a checklist of things to be thoroughly reviewed before signing or having a lease signed. A contract, one should understand all the clauses contained in the lease, including how they will impact one. Since, a lease is a contract, it is possible to negotiate changes to it, and if it is a pre-printed lease form, all the more reason for reviewing it very carefully, as there may be clauses that probably weigh heavily in favour of a landlord. Always, best to have a lawyer review it, before putting your signature on leases and contracts. He / she will be able to point out illegal provisions, or explain how others work, whether they are favourable or unfavourable to landlord / tenant, including suggesting changes and additional terms. Ensure the following:

It is of vital importance for both landlords / tenants making a checklist of things to be thoroughly reviewed before signing or having a lease signed. A contract, one should understand all the clauses contained in the lease, including how they will impact one. Since, a lease is a contract, it is possible to negotiate changes to it, and if it is a pre-printed lease form, all the more reason for reviewing it very carefully, as there may be clauses that probably weigh heavily in favour of a landlord. Always, best to have a lawyer review it, before putting your signature on leases and contracts. He / she will be able to point out illegal provisions, or explain how others work, whether they are favourable or unfavourable to landlord / tenant, including suggesting changes and additional terms. Ensure the following:

It is of vital importance for both landlords / tenants making a checklist of things to be thoroughly reviewed before signing or having a lease signed. A contract, one should understand all the clauses contained in the lease, including how they will impact one. Since, a lease is a contract, it is possible to negotiate changes to it, and if it is a pre-printed lease form, all the more reason for reviewing it very carefully, as there may be clauses that probably weigh heavily in favour of a landlord. Always, best to have a lawyer review it, before putting your signature on leases and contracts. He / she will be able to point out illegal provisions, or explain how others work, whether they are favourable or unfavourable to landlord / tenant, including suggesting changes and additional terms. Ensure the following:

1. Check to see how long the lease runs for. Typically, one year is the usual though some landlords prefer to rent month-to-month, giving both tenant and landlord greater flexibility. This kind of lease is ideal for students or those whose job requires them to move a lot.
2. Legal terms are used in leases and contracts, and a tenant may find himself / herself referred to as a ‘lessee’, while the landlord is referred to as the ‘lessor’, and the rental space is referred to as the ‘premises’ or ‘leased premises’.
3. If, you run a home-business, check to see if the lease prohibits you from doing so from your rental unit.
4. As well, a landlord may include a clause that limits the number of people who can reside on the premises.
5. And, if you have a pet, look to see if there is a NO PETS clause that prohibits you from keeping one. Best to discuss it with the landlord before signing, in case you wish to bring along Rascal or Scandal. It is just possible the landlord may agree to drop that clause.