What is a renter?

An occupant is someone who pays lease to live in a residential or commercial property (home, house, condo, townhouse) that comes from somebody else.

What is a property manager?

A property owner is the owner of the residential or commercial property that the tenant resides in.

What is a residential or commercial property manager?

Sometimes, the owner of the residential or commercial property hires somebody to oversee and handle their residential or commercial property for them.

What is a lease?

A lease is a written contract between you (the occupant) and the property owner, enabling you to live in the residential or commercial property in exchange for lease. For your protection, you should only enter into a written lease. The lease states what you are responsible for, and what the property owner is responsible for. Both you and the landlord sign the lease and you both should do what the lease states. Leases are often tough to comprehend, even for native English speakers, so it is best to have somebody you rely on assist you understand your lease, or call a lawyer to assist you.

What is rent?

This is the amount of money you will pay the property owner each month. Rent is paid in advance, meaning that rent is due at the beginning of the month, usually on the first of the month, for that month. Make certain you understand where and how to pay the rent - online? By check? Cash? If you pay your lease in cash, always get an invoice as evidence of your payment.

What is the regard to the lease?

This is the time period you and the property owner agree that you can live in the residential or commercial property, and you will pay rent. Most of the time the term is for one year, however it can be less or more if both you and the landlord concur. When this term is over, you and the property manager can sign a new lease-if you both agree-and start all over. Or, you can leave the residential or commercial property.

What are the important things the landlord is accountable for?

Mainly, the proprietor is accountable for making certain the residential or commercial property is fit to reside in and fundamental things work. Most repairs are typically the property owner's duty, especially larger things like the heating system, hot water heater, a/c, range, fridge, dishwashing machine, and so on. Make certain the lease has either the property manager's or residential or commercial property manager's contact information-telephone number, e-mail address, etc.-and how to get in touch with the property owner or residential or commercial property manager in an emergency.

What are the main things the tenant is accountable for?

You are needed to 1) pay rent and 2) keep the residential or commercial property in good condition. Any other responsibilities will be listed in the lease. Sometimes the renter is accountable for minor repairs and the landlord is accountable for major repair work. Make sure you understand what repair work you are accountable for before you sign the lease. The tenant is likewise responsible to pay for any damages that they, or any of their guests, cause.

What is a down payment?

This is money that you offer the landlord to keep in case you fail to pay lease or if you damage the residential or commercial property. The security deposit is your cash. If you do whatever that the lease states you are needed to do (in the majority of cases, remain for the complete term of the lease, pay your rent, and don't damage the residential or commercial property) then you need to get your security deposit back at the end of the lease. This should take place within thirty days after the lease has actually ended, or 60 days if that's what the lease states, but it can never ever be more than 60 days after the lease has actually ended. The landlord needs to supply you a composed declaration that reveals any reductions from the down payment, and why it was subtracted. In addition to this declaration, the property owner should offer you any cash that is because of you. If you do not concur with the part of your security deposit that was kept by the property owner, you can go to small claims court and have a judge choose. You can get more information about small claims court from the county in which you live. Also, see the resources noted below for more help.

What am I anticipated to pay before moving in?

Most of the time you will be required to pay the 1st month's lease plus a security deposit, which is usually equivalent to one month's lease. Sometimes it can be more. Also, if you are moving in the middle of a month, you may be required to pay rent for the part of the month you will be living in the residential or commercial property. For instance, let's state the rent is $1,500 monthly and you are moving in on the 1st of the month. You will pay the first month's rent, $1,500, plus the down payment, $1,500, for a total of $3,000. But if you move in on the 20th of the month, you will most likely have to pay $500 for the 10 days of the existing month (1/3 of a month), plus the $3,000 described above.

What else do I need to pay every month besides rent?

Rent might not be all that you have to pay. Usually, most utilities-electricity, natural gas, water, web, cable TV-are paid by you. Everything that you are responsible to pay for will be listed in the lease. Sometimes, some utilities are included in the lease, but many of the time they are not, and you are required to pay them. Make sure you comprehend everything that you are required to pay for before you sign the lease.

Is the lease negotiable?

Many items in the lease are flexible and can be altered if you and the proprietor both agree. The 2 most common things that people attempt to negotiate are the term and the rent. Let's say the property manager desires a renter for one year, but you only want to remain for 6 months. The term will be chosen by what you both agree to. Same with the lease. Remember, both you and the property manager need to agree.

How should I communicate with the landlord or residential or commercial property supervisor?

Try to interact with your landlord in writing when possible (e-mail, etc) Of course, you can call, but attempt to follow that with an e-mail to confirm what was stated. If it is a concern, you should send out a letter by licensed mail. In an emergency, call the emergency situation number that need to be in your lease. If that number is not in your lease, ask for it before you move in.

How do I file a grievance on a residential or commercial property manager?

You can submit a grievance against a residential or commercial property supervisor with the Division of Real Estate.

Filing a Problem

Can the landlord or residential or commercial property manager visit the residential or while you are living there?

Your landlord or residential or commercial property manager might wish to visit the residential or commercial property from time to time to check on its condition, however the landlord or residential or commercial property manager can not just come by whenever they desire (an exception is if there is an emergency situation). They must provide you sensible notice or get your permission, and it must be at a sensible time. Check your lease arrangement concerning this notification and the landlord's right to get in the residential or commercial property. Once you rent the residential or commercial property from the property owner, it is your home for the regard to the lease, and you have a right to privacy.

Can I be charged a late fee if my lease payment is late?

Yes, just if your rent payment is late by 7 or more days and the late charge is mentioned in your lease. You must get notification of the late cost within 180 days of the date on which your lease payment was due. Late costs charged by proprietors and residential or commercial property managers are limited to the greater of $50 or 5% of the past due rent payment.

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Can I be forced out from the residential or commercial property?

An eviction is a legal process that a property owner need to go through to remove you from the residential or commercial property. This process is usually utilized when an occupant breaks one or more lease terms, for example, stopping working to pay lease, not leaving the residential or commercial property after the lease term ends, allowing individuals who aren't on the lease to remain in the residential or commercial property, or carrying out unlawful activity on the residential or commercial property. For info on your rights if you are being evicted, see the resources listed below.