5 Things To Check Before Signing A Rent Agreement

Updated: Thursday, April 21, 2022, 20:40 [IST]

A rental or lease agreement is a legally binding contract. Under the agreement both the owner and the tenant agree to abide by the rental laws and the terms of the agreement. A rent agreement is often drafted by the real estate agent appointed by both the landlord and the renter.

To legitimise the agreement, both the landlord and the renter must sign it in the presence of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries of the property and will sign as witnesses. In most circumstances, the real estate agent also serves as a witness.

There are a few things you should know before signing a rental agreement - so you don't wind yourself in a financial or legal bind.

Here, we have explained five things that you should review before signing a rental agreement.

1. Visit the place

Visit the rental premises before signing the leasing agreement. Make sure you pay a visit at least once to the location to do a reality check. You must not only inspect the house's condition but also ensure that all electrical and water connections are operational.

It is always a good idea to perform a walkthrough of the property before signing a leasing agreement. Take note of any damage you witness, no matter how little. Take photographs and videos to capture the property's condition.

2. Understand the Agreement

Rental agreements are not easy to read, but it is critical that you understand the sort of tenancy contract you have before signing. There are a handful that should be double-checked in particular.

Rent Tenure -Note the move-in and move-out dates to be sure they're correct
Landlord Details - Make sure the landlord's and every tenant's name are on the contract
Obligations -Take note of your obligations while you're renting and make sure you agree
Security Amount - Check security amount is mentioned before signing the agreement
Renewal Terms- Note down the date and tenure including the condition of renewal terms
Rent Payment date - The agreement also includes the rent payment date, Make sure it is mentioned correctly

It's critical to understand what the landlord will and will not change. Examine the landlord's inspection clauses. Do they make you feel uneasy? Before you sign anything, check the legislation in your region and talk to your landlord about it.

3. What the Rent Includes

Examine the leasing agreement's fine language to ensure you understand what your rent payment involves. Don't assume that utilities are included in the monthly rent.

The rent agreement may also include other monthly expenses to be paid by the renter, such as the society maintenance charge, energy bill, and water bill.

Landlords may also levy service fees. You don't want to be surprised by charges you can't pay after you sign the contract.

The rent agreement may also include a description of the property's amenities, such as parking space. These additional expenses, as well as who is responsible for them, should be explicitly stated in the rental agreement.

4. What About the Deposit?

You will be required to pay a deposit. Make sure the agreement specifies the amount and when you'll get it after your lease expires.

Check your state's security deposit laws in which you you looking for the rental house to ensure you understand them. On this page, you can also learn more about rental bonds.

5. Notice period & penalty

If any party fails to uphold the terms and conditions of the agreement, it will become null and void, and the aggrieved party may seek monetary damages. As a result, the agreement should include a notice time as well as a penalty for cancelling the agreement before the designated term is completed. In most cases, a one-month notice period is served.