Signing a Lease

A lease is an oral or written contract between a landlord and a tenant. Your best protection is a written lease signed by both parties. Make sure your lease contains:

• The specific address, including apartment number, of the property.
• The lease must contain an adequate description of the property.
• The length of the lease.
• An explanation of the rent payment procedure, including late penalties and rent increases.
• A list of any utilities you are responsible for paying.
• Termination or renewal terms.
• The amount of security deposit.
• Who will be responsible for the taxes on the property.
• The correct name and address of the party to whom rent shall be paid.
• Whether you as the tenant are waiving or limiting any notice requirements before the landlord can evict you.
• What repairs you will be responsible for.
• What you will be responsible for when you move out i.e., cleaning carpets, painting, etc.
• Whether there are any limitations and/or restrictions upon what you can do with the property, i.e. having pets, noise, certain appliances, etc.
• Whether the landlord is reserving any part of the property for his or her use.
• When and under what circumstances the landlord may enter your premises.
• The name, phone number and complete address for the party you should contact for repairs or problems with the property.
• A listing of all the tenants for the property.
• What will happen if one of your roommates leave?
• The name, complete address and phone number of the landlord.
• Who will be responsible for the upkeep and damage to the common areas.
• Who will be responsible for injuries suffered by persons who use the common areas of the property.
• Who will provide insurance to cover injuries that are suffered in the common areas.

Make sure you understand everything in your lease before you sign it.

Under Pennsylvania law, landlords have to use leases that are written in plain English.

Be sure to keep a signed copy of the lease for yourself.

Make a second copy and give it to a friend or family member for safekeeping.

Do not sign a lease until all the blanks are filled in.