There’s not a lot worse than signing a lease on a new student rental only to find out later that you really should have read your lease better. The first time you’ve got a broken pipe or an ant infestation, you may discover your landlord is shady, and that the contract is written to help them stay that way.
Knowing what to look for when you’re reading a sample apartment lease is key to understanding what that landlord’s responsibilities are to you once the lease is signed, as well as your responsibilities as their tenant. And don’t think just because you’ve read the title of each line item doesn’t mean there’s nothing important in the fine print. With leases and all contracts, the devil is in the details.
Here are the most important factors to look for when reading a potential landlord’s example lease:
- Rent amount
- Monthly rent due date and grace periods
- Acceptable methods of payment
- Utilities each party is responsible for (a great sample apartment lease will also list the local utility places, so you don’t have to go looking)
- Policies for lease termination and/or subletting
- Renewal policies, including any yearly rent increase
- Pet policy
- Renter’s insurance policy
- Any applicable extra costs owed to the landlord, like parking, lawn care, any city utilities, etc.
- Maintenance and emergency maintenance policies
It may sound like a lot to take in, but this is exactly what sample leases are there to help you figure out. Taking half an hour to review a lease template for an apartment you love and answer these questions can make the difference between signing a lease you read hastily and having a great experience in a luxury apartment in uptown Athens.
If you want a look at a sample lease agreement to know what to expect, this is what a typical lease agreement with Kleinpenny Rentals looks like. It’s quite lengthy, spanning over 11 pages. However, all the details about moving in, including how much you can alter the premises, pest control, and renewing leases, are outlined in the document.
Find a Well-Maintained Apartment That’s Perfect For Your Student Life with Kleinpenny Rentals
Before you even get to the part about signing the lease, you probably spend quite some time trying to find the right place to move into. From deciding whether to go for a studio apartment to a multi-bedroom house, going over listings and touring a few places takes up time. That’s why when you start your search for a student rental in Athens, you should begin your search with a reputable rental company like Kleinpenny Rentals. We’ve been a part of OU students’ college experience since 1989. Our range of off-campus housing options includes studio apartments and even large 8 bedroom houses. Each of our rental units is consistently maintained and updated to include must-have amenities that make your student life easier. Explore our available student rentals here today.