Lease Review Checklist

When reviewing a lease, check for the following clauses and details:

• Parties and correct legal names
• Lease term: start/end dates and automatic renewal language
• Rent amount, due date, grace period, late fees, and accepted payment methods
• Security deposit amount, allowable uses, and timeline for return
• Utilities and other fees (who pays what)
• Maintenance and repair responsibilities and how to submit requests
• Subletting and assignment rules
• Pet policy and related fees
• Termination and early-break clauses (notice period, penalties)
• Entry by landlord: notice requirements and permitted reasons
• Insurance requirements (tenant insurance)
• Habitability and warranty language
• Any addendums (lead paint, mold, rent stabilization clauses)

If anything is unclear, ask for clarification in writing or consult a tenant lawyer or free legal aid clinic before signing.