What to Check Before Signing a Lease Agreement?

Moving into a new property can be exciting, but it’s also a process that can be complicated and confusing for the uninitiated. Small print and overlooked details can make or break the moving experience, and failing to understand these complexities is an issue that arises all too often. By understanding where the most crucial minutia lie, leasers can better affect a positive move, for results that make everyone happy. So, what do you need to check before signing a lease agreement?

Potential Property Damage

Any property can look great in images, but the reality can be very different. With posing, glossing over the small details, and even photo manipulation in more nefarious circumstances, dishonest actions can paint a very different picture to that of reality. The best way to address any of these issues can be to investigate head-on. If a homeowner seems reticent to show you around or locks parts of the property you should have access to, then you should be wary, especially if a deal appears too good to be true.

Perform Research on the Landlord

Even a great property can be ruined by poor management, and where a landlord or manager lies on a spectrum can be challenging to determine in person. Luckily there are myriad ways to research a property owner and manager and to check credentials and history before making a decision. Talk to the older or other tenants, check criminal records, and find previous foreclosures to see what you can expect days, weeks, or months down the line.

Pet Agreement Details

If you’re moving into a house or other property with an animal, understand that not all agreements are made equal. While some properties might generally oppose pets, this can be because of negative experiences with less reliable pet owners. Some properties will allow pets, but only with an additional fee or specific rules about vaccinations and licenses. Some might even question you directly on expected behaviors, the breaking of which could be grounds for eviction.

Find What’s Included in the Lease

A lease can be a catch-all that includes utilities, or it can cover the base minimum of the property space. It can consist of fixes around the property, or it can pass these costs onto the tenant. The difference that these components can make to your wallet can be immense. What could seem like a good deal might be vastly more expensive when the totality of leasing factors is taken into account, so be sure to check these elements carefully.

Understand the Neighborhood

There is no such thing as a perfect property without decent neighbors. What could otherwise be a fantastic house can be ruined with loud music, constant arguments, or tool use keeping you from living or working as you please. Luckily, this is an easy facet to check yourself, simply by visiting your neighbors and asking their opinions on the neighborhood and the people therein. If there is something wrong, potential neighbors will usually be all too willing to gossip, which could help your decision immensely.

With these factors in mind, your decision to lease could be much more assured than if you went in blind. As tempting as it might be to rush into an amazing deal, understand that making the wrong choice could cause significant financial and emotional distress. Take your time, be confident as you can, and you’ll be much happier with the results.