Rental Agreements

Before you move into your new home, you will need to reach an agreement with your landlord that governs the terms of your tenancy. This agreement should be in writing to make sure that you and your landlord both agree to all the same terms. Listed below are the things that should be included in this agreement: 
 

• Rental property address
• Names and addresses for:
  • The landlord/owner and their agent;
  • The property manager (if any); and
  • The tenant(s).
• Number of tenant(s) that will live in the property
• Amount to be paid for rent and deposits
• When, where, and how the rent will be paid
• Who will hold the deposit, how it may be used or not used, and why it may not be returned to you at the end of your tenancy 
• Term of the rental period (e.g., week-to-week, month-to-month, or fixed-period lease)
• What utilities and services are to be provided (e.g., gas, water, or electricity)
• List of prohibited equipment and conduct (e.g., behavior that will likely cause damage to the premises)
• Rules for sublease and/or assignment 
• A premise condition statement (concerning what was already damaged in the premises before the start of your tenancy) and contents inventory (concerning what was on the premises before the start of your tenancy)
• Any other rules or regulations

 
Please keep in mind that while the above terms should be included in your rental agreement, the law prevents you and your landlord from including certain terms in a rental agreement. Your rental agreement cannot do the following: 
 

• Require you or your landlord to give up any rights under the landlord-tenant law
• Allow your landlord to get an “automatic” judgment against you
• Require you to pay your landlord’s attorney fees
• Allow your landlord to demand rent even if the landlord does not maintain the property as required by law
• Allow your landlord to take your personal property

 
Both you and your landlord should keep a copy of the rental agreement.