Quick Lease Decoder

Money you pay upfront (usually equal to 1-2 months rent) that the landlord holds as insurance. You get this back when you move out if there's no damage or unpaid rent.

Payment for your final month that you pay upfront when signing the lease. This is separate from your security deposit.

Rent calculated for a partial month. If you move in mid-month, you only pay for the days you actually live there.

Extra money you have to pay if your rent is late. Usually a fixed amount (like $50) or percentage of rent.

One-time fee to apply for the apartment, usually covers background and credit checks. This is typically non-refundable.

Commission paid to a real estate broker who helped you find the apartment, often equal to one month's rent.

If you have roommates, each person is responsible for the entire rent amount. If one roommate doesn't pay, the others must cover it.

Someone (usually a parent or family member) who promises to pay your rent if you can't. They're legally responsible for your lease obligations.

Renting out your apartment to someone else while you're still on the lease. Usually requires landlord permission.

Transferring your entire lease to someone else, so they take over all your responsibilities and you're no longer liable.

The landlord's right to enter your apartment, usually with 24-48 hours notice, for repairs, inspections, or emergencies.

Your right to use your apartment without unreasonable interference from the landlord or neighbors.

Expected deterioration from regular use, like small nail holes or faded paint. You can't be charged for this when you move out.

A documented record of the apartment's condition when you first move in, used to determine what damage you're responsible for later.

Shared spaces in the building like hallways, laundry room, gym, or lobby that all tenants can use.

Services like electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash. The lease will specify which ones you pay for vs. which are included.

Designated area for your car. May be included in rent or cost extra. Check if it's assigned to your specific unit.

Additional space (like a basement locker) for storing belongings. Usually costs extra and may have separate rules.

Rule prohibiting animals in the apartment. Breaking this can result in eviction or hefty fines.

Extra money paid upfront if pets are allowed, typically $200-500 per pet, to cover potential damage.

Prohibition on smoking cigarettes, marijuana, or other substances inside the apartment or building.

Rules about how long visitors can stay. Usually limits consecutive nights (like 7-14 days) before they're considered residents.

Rules about loud music, parties, or activities, often including specific "quiet hours" (typically 10 PM - 8 AM).

Rules about what changes you can make to the apartment, like painting walls or installing fixtures. Usually requires permission.

Things the landlord must maintain: structural repairs, plumbing, heating, and keeping the building safe and up to code.

Things you must maintain: cleanliness, minor repairs, replacing light bulbs, and not damaging the property.

Urgent issues like no heat, no water, or gas leaks that the landlord must fix immediately, usually within 24 hours.

Basic living conditions the landlord must provide: working plumbing, heating, electricity, and freedom from health hazards.

Official document from landlord requiring you to move out by a specific date, usually due to lease violation or non-payment.

Legal procedure to remove you from the apartment. Landlords must go through courts - they can't just lock you out.

Advance warning (either from you or landlord) that the lease won't be renewed. Required time varies by state and lease type.

Penalty for breaking your lease before it expires, often 1-2 months rent. Some leases allow this, others don't.

Someone who stays after their lease expires. This can result in higher rent, eviction, or automatic lease renewal.

Process for getting your deposit back, usually within 30 days of moving out. Landlord must provide itemized deductions.

How much and how often your rent can go up. Usually limited by local laws or specified in the lease.

Charge for bounced checks or failed electronic payments, typically $25-50 plus any bank fees.

Administrative fee charged when you extend your lease for another term, usually much less than moving costs.

Government limits on how much landlords can charge or increase rent, varies by city and state.

The current going price for similar apartments in your area, used to determine if your rent is fair.

Third-party account that holds your security deposit, providing more protection than landlord holding it directly.

Administrative charge for handling your rental application or lease, separate from application fee.

Refundable fee for apartment keys, mailbox keys, or access cards, usually $25-100.

Monthly fee (usually $25-75) charged in addition to pet deposit for having pets, not refundable.

Monthly charge for building amenities like gym, pool, or concierge service, even if you don't use them.

Fixed amount landlord estimates for utilities, you pay the difference if you use more.

Special deal like "first month free" or reduced rent to attract tenants, usually for limited time.

You pay base rent plus property taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs (rare in residential).

Local laws limiting rent increases in certain buildings, stronger protection than rent control.

Government assistance paying part of rent directly to landlord, like Section 8.

Clause that extends your lease for another full term if you don't give proper notice to leave.

Fixed penalty for ending your lease early, alternative to paying rent for remaining months.

Agreement that you'll cover the landlord's legal costs if someone gets hurt in your apartment due to your negligence.

Federal law prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, family status, or disability.

When landlord makes living conditions so bad you're forced to leave, even without formal eviction.

Illegal eviction because you complained about conditions, reported violations, or joined tenant organization.

Legal protections including safe housing, privacy, anti-discrimination, and proper eviction procedures.

Implied legal guarantee that rental property meets basic living standards and local housing codes.

Breaking any rule in your lease agreement, can lead to warnings, fines, or eviction proceedings.

Warning giving you time (usually 3-10 days) to fix a lease violation before facing eviction.

Your legal right to have essential repairs made or to make them yourself and deduct from rent.

Legal term for eviction lawsuit, formal court process to remove tenant from property.

Month-to-month rental with no fixed end date, either party can end with proper notice.

Multiple tenants with equal rights to entire property, if one dies their share goes to others.

Multiple tenants each own specific percentage of property, can sell their share independently.

Background, credit, and reference checks done before lease approval, costs covered by application fee.

When rental building becomes condos for sale, tenants usually get right of first refusal.

Whether the apartment comes with furniture and appliances. Furnished units cost more but save moving expenses.

Who's responsible for fixing appliances like refrigerator, dishwasher, or washer/dryer when they break.

Walk-through documenting existing damage before you move in, protects your security deposit.

Final walk-through to assess damage and determine security deposit deductions.

Professional company hired by property owner to handle day-to-day rental operations.

Building employee responsible for maintenance, repairs, and sometimes rent collection.

Shared washing machines and dryers, may be coin-operated, card-operated, or included in rent.

Your right to receive mail securely, landlord cannot interfere with postal service.

Extra features like gym, pool, rooftop access, business center that may cost extra.

Accommodations for disabilities like ramps, grab bars, or wider doorways.

Required warning for buildings built before 1978 that may contain lead-based paint.

Information about known mold problems, your responsibility to report new mold issues.

Rules about preventing and treating bed bug infestations, who pays for extermination.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning - who maintains and pays for repairs.

Maximum number of people allowed to live in the unit, usually based on local housing codes.

Rule preventing you from running a business from your apartment.

Rules about where you can park, visitor parking, and consequences for violations.

Restrictions on how you can use outdoor spaces, what you can store there.

Rules about seasonal decorations on doors, windows, or balconies.

Fire safety rules about using grills on balconies or in common areas.

Prohibition on using Airbnb, VRBO or similar services to rent your apartment to others.

Restrictions on installing satellite dishes or antennas, must follow FCC and building rules.

Requirements for curtains, blinds, or window coverings visible from outside the building.

Regular upkeep like HVAC filter changes, usually landlord's responsibility in apartments.

Formal process for requesting repairs, creates paper trail for maintenance issues.

After-hours phone number for urgent repairs like water leaks, no heat, or gas smells.

Legal standard for how quickly landlord must make repairs, varies by urgency and local law.

Landlord's right to check property condition, usually requires 24-48 hour notice.

Responsibility for dealing with insects, rodents - usually landlord for infestations, tenant for prevention.

Who clears walkways and parking areas, important for safety and liability.

Care of grounds, gardens, and lawn areas around the building.

Either party can end month-to-month lease with proper notice, usually 30 days.

When tenant leaves property without notice, landlord can re-rent but may still sue for rent.

Landlord's duty to try to re-rent unit if you break lease early, reduces what you owe.

Formal return of apartment to landlord at lease end, includes key return and final inspection.

Higher rent rate (often 150-200% of normal) charged if you stay past lease expiration.

Warning giving you specific time to fix violation or face eviction, step before unlawful detainer.

Local laws requiring legitimate reason (like non-payment) to evict month-to-month tenants.

Money landlord must pay in some cities when evicting tenants for renovations or owner move-in.

Required insurance policy protecting your belongings and liability, typically costs $15-30/month.

One-time charge for setting up your lease file and account, separate from application fee.

Non-refundable charge for processing new tenancy, different from security deposit.

One-time non-refundable payment for pet approval, separate from pet deposit and pet rent.

Monthly charge for internet, cable, or smart home features, often mandatory.

Separate charge for garbage and recycling services, may be included in rent or billed separately.

Utility charges that may be split among tenants or charged individually based on usage.

Monthly cost for covered parking space, typically more expensive than surface parking.

Monthly rental for additional storage unit or locker space beyond your apartment.

Charge for package receiving and storage services, common in luxury buildings.

Mandatory charge deducted from security deposit for professional cleaning at move-out.

Specific charge for deep cleaning carpets when you move out, may be mandatory.

Cost to replace locks when you move in or if you lose keys during tenancy.

Penalty when your rent payment is returned due to insufficient bank funds.

Charge for checks that bounce, typically $25-75 plus any bank fees you caused.

Convenience charge for paying rent online, by phone, or through an app.

Cost for obtaining money orders if personal checks aren't accepted for rent.

Number of days after rent due date before late fees apply, usually 3-5 days.

Additional months of rent paid upfront, beyond first and last month, for extra security.

Money paid to reserve apartment while completing application, applied to security deposit if approved.

Legal document making another person responsible for your lease if you default.

Additional document that modifies or adds terms to your original lease agreement.

Your option to renew lease or match another tenant's offer before landlord can rent to others.

Agreement to resolve disputes through private arbitrator instead of court system.

Clause excusing contract performance during unforeseeable events like natural disasters.

Provision ensuring rest of lease remains valid if one part is found illegal.

Agreement giving up certain legal protections, may not be enforceable in some states.

Pre-agreed amount you must pay for specific lease violations, instead of actual damages.

Agreement about which state's courts handle legal disputes related to your lease.

Time limit for filing legal claims related to your lease, varies by state and issue type.

Unwritten legal promise that apartment meets basic living standards and local codes.

Legal responsibility for injuries occurring on rental property, usually landlord's obligation.

Landlord's legal claim against your personal property for unpaid rent or damages.

Government's right to take private property for public use, can terminate lease.

Legal ability to stop paying rent when landlord fails to maintain habitability.

Illegal practice of landlord changing locks or shutting off utilities to force you out.

Legal assumption that you know lease terms even if you didn't read them carefully.

Legal principle that verbal promises not in written lease are generally not enforceable.

Landlord's right to collect rent directly from subtenants if you sublease.

Your right to use rental property without interference from landlord or other tenants.

Rules about key duplication, who has access, and consequences for lost keys.

Electronic entry system for building access, may have fees for replacement cards.

Communication system allowing visitors to contact you from building entrance.

Required safety equipment like smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits.

Rules about testing, maintaining, and replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Fire suppression system that may affect your decorating and furniture placement.

Building alarm or surveillance system, may include your responsibility for false alarms.

Who provides and maintains window screens, important for security and pest control.

Coverage for repair or replacement of provided appliances during your tenancy.

Responsibility for replacing light fixtures, ceiling fans, or other installed items.

Rules about painting walls or hanging wallpaper, including approved colors.

Policies about rugs, carpets, or other floor treatments, especially for noise reduction.

Minimum water pressure landlord must maintain in plumbing fixtures.

Minimum and maximum temperature requirements landlord must maintain in unit.

Adequate air circulation standards, especially important in bathrooms and kitchens.

Legal standards for windows and natural lighting in habitable rooms.

Minimum ceiling height required by building codes for habitable spaces.

Emergency exit window required in bedrooms, must meet specific size requirements.

Where to find water, gas, and electrical shutoffs for emergency situations.

Outstanding code violations that may affect habitability or your lease validity.

Specific times when noise must be minimized, typically 10 PM to 8 AM.

Rules about hosting gatherings, may require notice or limit size and hours.

Restrictions on playing instruments, practicing, or sound levels during certain hours.

Limitations on home gym equipment due to noise, weight, or vibration concerns.

Rules about water-filled furniture due to weight and leak concerns.

Fire safety restrictions on portable heating devices in apartments.

Fire safety rules about open flames and burning materials in unit.

Special rules for motorcycle storage, may require designated areas.

Where bikes can be stored and whether they're allowed in apartments.

Rules about displaying political campaign signs or banners.

Regulations about hanging flags from windows, balconies, or doors.

Rules about placing personal items like mats or decorations in hallways.

Building rules about removing shoes in common areas or specific floors.

Policies about delivery access to building and leaving packages.

Specific requirements for trash sorting, recycling, and disposal times.

Prohibition on storing dangerous chemicals, fuels, or toxic substances.

Rules about legally owned firearms or weapons in rental units.

Rules about taking pictures in common areas or of the building exterior.

Rules about operating drones on or near rental property.

Building policies about playground areas, pool access, and child supervision.

Regular upkeep activities like filter changes, usually requiring unit access.

Online system for submitting repair requests and tracking their progress.

Urgent repairs that pose immediate danger and justify immediate access.

Periodic property checks by landlord, usually annual with proper notice.

Acceptable hours for non-emergency repairs, usually business hours weekdays.

Your obligation to allow approved contractors into unit for repairs.

Distinction between repairs you pay for vs. landlord's responsibility.

Responsibility for drain clearing, toilet repairs, and pipe maintenance.

Who handles outlet repairs, breaker issues, and electrical upgrades.

Responsibility for window washing, screen repair, and weatherproofing.

Maintenance of rain gutters and downspouts, typically landlord responsibility.

Repairs to roofing, leaks, and structural elements above your unit.

Upkeep of building exterior, siding, and common outdoor areas.

Chemical treatment, cleaning, and safety maintenance of swimming pools.

Upkeep of gym equipment and facility cleanliness in building amenities.

Regular service and emergency repairs for building elevator systems.

Upkeep of cameras, alarms, and access control systems.

Maintenance of landscaping, walkways, and outdoor common areas.

Weather-related upkeep like winterizing pipes or storm preparation.

Mandatory inspections by city, health department, or fire marshal.

Provision making entire lease balance due immediately if you violate terms, not just current rent.

In joint tenancy, surviving tenant automatically inherits deceased tenant's share.

Restriction preventing you from transferring lease rights without landlord permission.

Pre-signed legal document allowing landlord to get court judgment without trial.

Legal document confirming lease terms and tenant status for property sales.

Agreement that your lease rights are secondary to mortgage lender's rights.

Promise to recognize new owner as landlord if property is sold or foreclosed.

Protection ensuring your lease continues even if property goes into foreclosure.

Legal provision defining the exact duration and extent of your tenancy rights.

Legal promise that landlord won't interfere with your peaceful use of property.

Rent increase formula based on property operating costs exceeding first year baseline.

Rent increase tied to Consumer Price Index inflation rate, usually annual.

Additional rent based on percentage of tenant business income (rare in residential).

Tenant's share of building operating costs like maintenance, insurance, and taxes.

Common Area Maintenance fees for shared building expenses like landscaping and security.

Additional rent when property taxes increase beyond base year amount.

Pass-through of increased property insurance costs to tenant.

Rent adjustment for utility cost increases beyond baseline amounts.

Interest earned on your deposit that landlord may be required to pay you.

Reduction in rent as incentive or compensation for inconvenience.

Rules about connected devices, data privacy, and technology maintenance.

Minimum internet speed and reliability standards landlord must provide.

Preferred methods for tenant-landlord communication like email, apps, or portals.

Agreement that digital signatures on lease documents are legally binding.

Rules about security cameras in common areas and tenant privacy rights.

Protection of tenant personal information collected through smart building systems.

Electronic locks using codes, cards, or apps instead of traditional keys.

Mandatory use of property management apps for rent payment or communication.

Rules about using building Wi-Fi, password sharing, and bandwidth limits.

Rules about posting photos of property or reviews that might affect reputation.

Minimum indoor air quality requirements and ventilation standards.

Information about naturally occurring radioactive gas levels in building.

Required notice about asbestos-containing materials in older buildings.

Reasonable modifications for tenants with environmental allergies or sensitivities.

Energy-efficient systems that may affect utility costs and usage rules.

Restrictions on water usage during droughts or conservation periods.

Tenant obligations to maintain efficient use of heating, cooling, and electricity.

Requirements to separate compostable materials from regular trash.

Rules about installing personal solar equipment or accessing building solar power.

Maintenance and testing requirements for CO detectors in units with gas appliances.

Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for accessibility features.

Process for requesting disability-related modifications to rules or property.

Special rules for assistance animals that override general pet policies.

Therapeutic animals that may be exempt from pet restrictions and fees.

Reserved parking spots for tenants with disability placards or plates.

Designated areas for wheelchairs, scooters, or other mobility equipment.

Modifications like improved lighting or tactile markers for vision-impaired tenants.

Modifications like visual alerts or vibrating systems for deaf/hard-of-hearing tenants.

Grab bars, roll-in showers, and other bathroom modifications for disabled tenants.

Rules ensuring mobility-impaired tenants have priority elevator access.

Building procedures for fires, natural disasters, or other emergencies.

Rent reduction or lease suspension if unit becomes uninhabitable due to disasters.

Rules about portable generators during power outages, including safety requirements.

Tenant obligations to secure balcony items and prepare for severe weather.

Landlord's obligation to help find housing during major repairs or disasters.

Tenant's duty to assist with property insurance claims after damage.

Required personal contacts for emergencies when you can't be reached.

Order in which utilities are restored after outages or disasters.

Rules about storing emergency food, water, and supplies in your unit.

Types of insurance coverage tenants must carry for flood, earthquake, etc.

What decisions property manager can make versus requiring owner approval.

Your rights when property switches to new management company.

Staff person handling tenant relations, events, and non-maintenance issues.

Available assistance with packages, reservations, and general building services.

How to reach management outside business hours for non-emergency issues.

Online account for rent payment, maintenance requests, and lease documents.

Rules about building-sponsored activities and tenant participation.

Tenant group that provides input on building policies and improvements.

Regular intervals for safety, maintenance, and compliance inspections.

Guaranteed timeframes for responding to different types of tenant requests.

Agreement releasing landlord from certain injury or damage claims.

Amount tenant may be responsible for if they cause insurable damage.

Insurance paying for temporary housing if your unit becomes uninhabitable.

Landlord listed on your renter's insurance policy for liability protection.

Insurance company's right to recover costs from party that caused damage.

Proof that your renter's insurance meets landlord's minimum requirements.

Insurance for injuries to others that occur in your rental unit.

Who's responsible when water damage affects multiple units.

Landlord's responsibility (or lack thereof) for tenant property theft.

Additional coverage required if you run any business from your apartment.