5 Things to do Before Signing a Rental Home Lease

It is, indeed, a great feeling when you find a place that looks perfect at first. Prudence, however, calls for a detailed check before signing a rental home lease. Most leases are standard, but once you sign a lease agreement, you have no way to escape at least for a year. Keep your research on track; while learning about the top things you need to consider before signing a lease for rental homes in San Angelo or Lake Jackson or for that matter any other city in the US.

  

1. Inspect the Apartment

Treat your first visit to the rental home as an inspection. The aim of the inspection is to identify all potential issues with the rented apartment before you sign the lease. Inspection of the rented property beforehand enables you to raise the current property related issues to the property owner. In the best case scenario, the landlord agrees to address your concerns. Most importantly, get modifications and improvements mentioned in your lease agreement.

 2. Document Existing Damages

Once you have inspected the rental home in San Angelo or Lake Jackson, ensure to document any current damages in the property before signing the lease. If your landlord does not consent to fix damages, ask your landlord to document the damages in the lease as pre-existing. You won’t, therefore, have to pay potential charges out of your security deposit later. 

3. Confirm Pet Policies

It is imperative for you as a tenant to learn in advance about the pet policy of the rental property. Few of the rental properties have strict rules as to the types of pets that are allowed, including weight limitations and breeds. There are some well-known rental services’ providers in San Angelo and Lake Jackson that allow pets in their rental homes. Do not plan to sneak a pet inside a property under any circumstances, as doing so may result in a lease termination.

4. Look for Automatic Lease Renewal Clause

Check if your lease agreement includes an automatic lease renewal clause. This type of clause empowers you with the right to renew your lease at the end of its tenure. You are, therefore, protected from being asked to leave against your wish. A lease renewal clause typically demands the landlord to notify you of the termination of the lease tenure 15 to 30 days before the lease term ends. They request notification from you whether you intend to renew the lease. 

5. Understand Your Out Clause

It is crucial for you as a tenant to carefully read the lease termination section of your lease agreement, so that you are aware of the effects of breaking your lease before time. Likewise, you also learn about your obligation of notice, in case you decide to move out of the rented apartment at the end of the lease tenure. 

Conclusion

You won’t make any mistakes in renting an apartment if you consider these things before signing a rental home lease in San Angelo or Lake Jackson. Signing a lease agreement is one of the initial steps you take towards renting an apartment. If you are careful enough to sign a lease agreement, you avoid falling into traps later.