A lease is a binding legal document and financial agreement. Before you sign and agree to a lease, make sure you read and understand all of the terms.
A standard lease should include the following:
- Names of all of the tenants
- Landlord name and contact information
- Apartment address
- Lease term
- Monthly rent, including when and how it is due
- Who is responsible for utilities
- Who to contact for maintenance or emergencies
- Conditions for subletting
- Any additional information that was discussed. Did you discuss repairs that were going to be completed? Make sure that’s included. Did you agree that your pet could live there too? Be sure it says so in your lease. Don’t be afraid to ask to add, remove, or change any of the language in your lease.
Once you’ve reviewed and signed your lease, be sure to get a countersigned copy of your lease from your landlord or property manager. Landlords are required to provide a copy of the lease free of charge.
For more information on common questions, and tenants rights and responsibilities, view Know Your Rights When Your Rent in Boston.
Next step in the Housing Search Guide: Plan Your Move to Boston.
