An apartment lease agreement is a legally binding document that will explain your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. The lease will also determine the responsibilities and rights of the landlord or leasing entity. Additionally, the lease will reveal your monthly and total financial obligations. Did you know that understanding your lease can help you to have a better leasing experience? When you understand your lease, you could be in a better position to avoid costly apartment lease violations.
While each apartment lease will be different, there are a few common features across all apartment leases. For example, the lease will tell you your monthly rent. It will display any additional monthly fees (amenity, parking, pet, fees etc.). It will also explain if you have a security deposit and the conditions upon which this deposit will be returned to you at the end of your lease. Finally, the lease will explain the terms and conditions of your rental agreement.
After the apartment lease agreement has been reviewed, it will be time for all of the tenants to sign on the dotted line. This means that all of your roommates will also need to carefully review the lease before they can responsibly sign the document. Once the lease has been signed, it will be at the discretion of the landlord if you can add any additional tenants to the lease. If you try to “sneak” someone onto the lease, then you might be in violation of your apartment lease agreement. If this happens, your landlord might decide to evict you. With this in mind, make sure that you are 100% sure about your chosen roommates before you sign your new lease.
Popular Questions to Ask Before You Sign a Lease
Before you sign your lease, make sure that you and the other tenants have thoroughly read every word. Additionally, you should keep the following questions in mind:
- When will the lease start?
- What happens if I need to terminate my lease early?
- Will I be given a chance to re-lease the apartment?
- What if one of my roommates wants to move out? Will I be able to sublet the apartment?
- Are there any additional monthly fees?
If, after reading your lease, you still have any lingering questions, be sure to ask your leasing representative. Remember, a lease is a legally binding document that should only be entered into if, and only if, you are able to fulfill all of the leasing requirements.
The Apartment Lease Agreement at The Standard at Knoxville
The Standard at Knoxville proudly offers 12 month leases for its 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom apartments. These beautifully furnished apartments are conveniently located near the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, campus. To learn more about leasing an apartment for Fall 2016, contact a leasing agent today via phone, email, or through an in-person consultation.