How to review a lease agreement before you sign
A lease is easy to skim and expensive to misunderstand. Use this order of review so you catch cost, flexibility, and risk before you sign — whether you do it yourself or upload the file for a structured pass.
1. Confirm parties, address, and term
Names, unit address, start/end dates, and whether the term auto-renews. Errors here create headaches later.
2. Total monthly cost, not just rent
Add amenity, trash, parking, pet, tech, and admin fees. Compare the all-in number to what the listing advertised.
3. Security deposit and move-out rules
Amount, due date, allowed deductions, return timeline, and cleaning standards. Vague “any damages” language is a red flag.
4. Renewals and notice windows
Find the deadline and method to decline renewal. Missing a notice window can lock you into another term.
5. Early termination and reletting
Fees, replacement-tenant rules, and whether liability ends when the unit is re-rented.
6. Repairs, entry, guests, and pets
Who fixes what, landlord entry notice, occupancy limits, and pet deposits or rent.
7. Addenda and disclosures
Parking licenses, HOA/condo rules, lead paint, and insurance requirements often sit outside the main form — read every attachment.
This guide is general information for U.S. residential leases and is not legal advice.