6 Things to Look for in a Lease Contract

When you sign a lease for a home in Trousdale Estates, you enter into a legal contract with the owner of the property. This contract, then, is the basis of all the terms and conditions that you and your landlord decide. It is also the only means of protecting your rights as a tenant. The last thing you would want is to sign a contract and not know what it entails.

If you are leasing a home in Trousdale Estates for the first time and are oblivious of the leasing process, read this article to learn six things that you must always look for in a lease contract before signing it.

1. Essential Details

You may be a great negotiator, but none of your efforts will mean anything until the negotiated rent amount is mentioned in the lease contract. Some homeowners often express their willingness to set up a lesser rent value but state a higher amount on the documents. Not reading the contract carefully could mean that end up signing a rent rate that you weren’t expecting. Other essential details to look for are:

• Complete home address and apartment number
• The date of signing the contract and the date of expiration
• When the rent is due each month
• The amount of security deposit that you need to pay
• Terms and policies of renewal of the contract
• The yearly percentage increase in rent (if any)

2. Amount of Security Deposits

It is important to check that the security deposit amount on the lease documents is mentioned correctly. Know that the security deposit is ideally equal to one month’s rent. In case you are asked to pay a larger amount, point it out before signing the lease.

As a prospective tenant, you may ask to inspect a property to document its condition before moving in. If you do decide to identify the condition of the house, you must be allowed to do so. When the renters move out, the landlords can give an itemized statement showing any damages within 14 days – or else they will have to pay for them. Don’t forget to demand your security deposit once you leave the rental property.

3. Utilities& Appliances

When leasing a home in Trousdale Estates, some landlords tend to include the utility costs in the monthly rent, such as water and gas. Do inquire beforehand what the rent price includes and have that clearly written down on the contract. At times, you can be limited from using too many heating or air conditioning units due to safety issues or worn out the wiring. So, look if there are any restrictions in terms of appliance usage.

4. Special Instructions Regarding Furnished Homes

Furnished houses serve as attractive housing options for prospective tenants because they can readily be moved into. But you should let this appeal get the best of you! If you have settled for a furnished house or apartment, make sure that the lease contains a list of all the amenities and furniture that the landlord has permitted you to use. It should also confirm that all the items on the list are placed in the home when the lease begins.

5. Specific Terms Regarding Pets

If you are a pet lover, you must ensure that your landlord is comfortable with the idea of keeping pets in the home. When renting a condo or apartment, you need to look beyond the commands of your landlord because the building or complexes have their own rules and regulations in place, as well. Therefore, get familiar with the norms of the area and explicitly mention the consent of the landlord in the lease contract. It is wise to be as specific as you can: note the weight, breed, and even age of the pet that you are allowed to keep. While most landlords may not be too finicky, clearly stating pet-related terms will save you from any misunderstanding or dispute in the future.

6. Renovations& Changes to the Apartment

When leasing a home in Trousdale Estates, you may be tempted to rent an average looking property at a low rent and then renovate it to look like you want it to. If your landlord gives the consent to make any alterations or improvements to the property, don’t forget to get this permission written in the lease form. If you overlook this, you will be held responsible for any changes made in the property regardless of how good it is.

Contact Pezzini Luxury Homes

The Pezzini Luxury Homes is a reliable real estate company in Beverly Hills that can help you find luxury homes in Los Angeles for sale right for your needs,  or if you are looking to rent we are dedicated to making the rental process quick and easy for you. Dial 1-310-275-2076, or click here to avail of our expert services immediately!