Lease Agreements
The More Details, the Better
When you’re at the lease-signing stage with a new tenant, it’s your last chance to set your expectations, requirements, rules, regulations, dos and don’ts. If you expect a tenant to agree to a something, it must be in writing, or the likelihood of enforcement is nil.
The beginning of a new year is a great time to review your rental and lease agreements, policies, and tenant communication materials. Here are some areas your lease should cover that yours might not:
Vehicle policy: Clearly state how many vehicles your tenant is allowed to park on the property, and where they may park them. Obtain the license numbers of each. Require tenants to submit any new vehicle descriptions to you within a week of purchase. Indicate whether or not tenants are permitted to work on cars on the property, or to keep oversized or non-working vehicles on the property. Also state whether RVs, campers, trailers, etc. are allowed.
Phone numbers: A clause in the agreement that the tenant must furnish at least two telephone numbers, and update the landlord when the numbers change, is beneficial. Landlords must be able to reach tenants for safety reasons, when the rent doesn’t arrive on time, and to notify them of inspections, repair and maintenance work.
Landscape and lawn maintenance: It’s important to indicate whom is responsible for lawn care. Many landlords we know hire a service, to ensure that lawn maintenance is performed regularly and to their standards. Just as many require tenants to keep the grass cut and shrubs watered. Whichever way you prefer it, put it in writing so there is no confusion.
Visitors: Beware the visitor who becomes a squatter in your building! Clearly state in the lease agreement how long your tenants are allowed to have visitors stay. Seven days, fourteen days, and no more than fifteen out of sixty days are all examples we’ve seen in leases. Unfortunately, landlords sometimes have to police their tenants’ visitors to prevent an unscreened tenant situation. Tenants do not have the right to allow their friends and family to stay in your rental unit without your knowledge and, if you require it, your permission.