Think. Lease.

A lease is a legally binding document that outlines the responsibilities of the owner and the tenants of a house or an apartment.

Avoid Problems!

When sharing an apartment, house, or room with others try to get separate written leases. Joint and oral leases are legal in Virginia but more often than not can prove to cause unwanted headaches.

What to Avoid in Your Lease

• Avoid: A limited notice to vacate. (Some leases contain language that give the landlords the option to give you notice to move out in just a few days due to tenant behavior deemed inappropriate by the landlord instead of a standard 30 day notice.)
• Avoid: Tenant is liable for all repairs to the premises.
• Avoid: Landlord may enter premises without notice and/or remove tenant’s property.
• Avoid: Tenant agrees to abide by any rules and regulations made subsequent to the time of lease agreement. (This means the landlord could add new rules and regulations after the lease is signed.)
• Avoid: Tenant is liable for attorney’s fees in all litigation arising from this contract, including a defense by the landlord.

Negotiate. If a lease includes a provision or clause that you want to remove, it is perfectly acceptable to ask the landlord about it. If changes are made, make sure they are included on all copies of the lease with all party’s signatures. Also, make sure revised leases do not extend your time in the lease unless that is what you wish.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Tenant will keep the premises safe and clean.
• Tenant will remove trash in accordance with local statute.
• Tenant will abide by terms of the lease.
• Tenant will use utilities reasonably.
• Tenant will not deliberately or negligently damage the premises or permit another to do the same.
• Tenant will provide landlord access during normal working hours when given reasonable notice (atleast 48 hours) is given.

Landlord Responsibilities

• Landlord will comply with all state and local codes and regulations governing maintenance, use, construction, & appearance of the dwelling.
• Landlord will maintain all electrical, plumbing, and other facilities supplied by landlord.
• Landlord will make repairs and arrangements necessary to keep the dwelling and property in the same condition as it was by law at the beginning of the tenancy.
• Landlord shall maintain and keep in good repair all furniture, fixtures, and equipment belonging to the landlord.