--- title: 10 Things Every Renter Needs to Know About Their Lease description: Every renter needs to know about these 10 essential things before they sign their lease. image: https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-150005980.jpg --- [![Group 5068](https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Group%205068.svg "Group 5068")](https://www.hometeampm.com) - [About](https://www.hometeampm.com/about/about-hpm) - [Our Company It’s been over 20 years and our goal hasn’t changed](https://www.hometeampm.com/about/about-hpm) - [Our Team Meet the Home Team Property Management Team](https://www.hometeampm.com/our-team) - [Why Choose Us No matter your property management goals, we will get you there](https://www.hometeampm.com/why-choose-us) - [Careers Take a look at our open positions and feel free to submit an application if your experience is a match](https://www.hometeampm.com/about/about-hpm) - [Vendors We are continually seeking out qualified, professional vendors to fulfill goods or maintenance contracts](https://www.hometeampm.com/about/vendor-relations) - [Connect With Us Reach out to our expert team to see how we can assist you with your property management needs](https://www.hometeampm.com/contact-us) - [Testimonials Read HomeTeam Property Management client testimonials here](https://www.hometeampm.com/testimonials) - [MANAGEMENT SERVICES](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services) - [Residential View our residential property management services](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/residential-management) - [Commercial View our commercial property management services](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/commercial-management) - [Marketing View how we market your property to prospective tenants](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/marketing) - [Accounting We specialize in complete financial services for our property owners](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/accounting) - [Maintenance Property maintenance is one of the most important aspects of maximizing your investment](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/maintenance) - [Leasing Our leasing department utilizes the latest in application and credit screening procedures](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/leasing) - [Free Rental Analysis Get a free rental valuation of your investment property](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services) - [Get a Quote Learn how much it would cost to manage your property](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/getting-started) - [OWNERS](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners) - [Marketing Your Property Learn how we market your property to ensure the maximum exposure to qualified buyers](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners/marketing-your-property) - [Renting Your Property We provide you with guidance on how to ready your property to compete in the ever-changing rental market](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners/renting-your-property) - [Maintaining Your Property The best approach to maintenance is preventative maintenance, and this is HomeTeam Property Management policy](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners/maintaining-your-property) - [No - Eviction Guarantee We are so confident in our tenant selection process that we include a No-Eviction Guarantee](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners/no-eviction-guarantee) - [Free Rental Analysis Get a free rental valuation of your investment property](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners) - [Owner Portal Login Sign-in to monitor your account](https://hometeam.appfolio.com/oportal/users/log_in) - [Get a Quote Learn how much it would cost to manage your property](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/getting-started) - [TENANTS](https://www.hometeampm.com/tenants) - [Rental Search Find your next place to live in San Diego](https://www.hometeampm.com/properties) - [Tenant Portal Login Sign-in to monitor your account](https://hometeam.appfolio.com/connect/users/sign_in) - [Pay Your Rent Paying rent on time has never been easier](https://www.hometeampm.com/tenants/pay-your-rent) - [Future Tenants Important information for tenants wanting to lease a property from HomeTeam](https://www.hometeampm.com/tenants/future-tenants) - [Move Out We want your move-out to be a pleasant and successful one](https://www.hometeampm.com/tenants/move-out) - [Notice To Vacate Moving out? Submit your notice to vacate here!](https://www.hometeampm.com/tenants/notice-to-vacate) - [PROPERTIES](https://www.hometeampm.com/properties) - [Residential Find your next place to live in San Diego](https://www.hometeampm.com/properties) - [Commercial Find your next space to do business in San Diego](https://www.hometeampm.com/properties) - AGENT REFERRAL PROGRAM - [Learning Center](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog) - [Free Resources Access valuable resources and information at no cost](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog) - [Blog Stay informed with our insightful articles and updates](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog) - LOGIN - [Tenant Login Sign-in to monitor your account](https://hometeam.appfolio.com/connect/users/sign_in) - [Owner Login Sign-in to monitor your account](https://hometeam.appfolio.com/oportal/users/log_in) # 10 Things Every Renter Needs to Know About Their Lease HomeTeam Property Management  | 18 June 2018 Share - [![icon-fb](https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Home_Team_2022/image/icon-fb.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/10-things-every-renter-needs-to-know-about-their-lease&title=10+Things+Every+Renter+Needs+to+Know+About+Their+Lease&picture=https://21589715.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21589715/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-150005980.jpg&description=Every+renter+needs+to+know+about+these+10+essential+things+before+they+sign+their+lease.) - [![icon-twitter](https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Home_Team_2022/image/icon-twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?source=https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/10-things-every-renter-needs-to-know-about-their-lease&text=10+Things+Every+Renter+Needs+to+Know+About+Their+Lease%20-%20https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/10-things-every-renter-needs-to-know-about-their-lease) - [![icon-youtube](https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Home_Team_2022/image/icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/10-things-every-renter-needs-to-know-about-their-lease&title=10+Things+Every+Renter+Needs+to+Know+About+Their+Lease&summary=Every+renter+needs+to+know+about+these+10+essential+things+before+they+sign+their+lease.) ![renter-lease-agreement](https://www.hometeampm.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-150005980-1.jpg?width=640&name=iStock-150005980-1.jpg "renter-lease-agreement") Whether you're still house-hunting or have just moved into your new place, the central connection between any renter and their landlord is the lease. The terms of the lease are contractually binding, meaning that once both of you sign it, you are both obligated to uphold whatever's written inside. You may think you know everything about being a renter and have seen every boiler-plate lease on the market, but when it comes to contracts, never ever assume. You never know if this landlord has customized their lease, and it's important to know what you have actually agreed to. Here are the top ten things every renter should look for in their lease agreement. **1) Your Security Deposit** Not all security deposits are made equal. They can be big or small, easy to get back or ridiculously tedious. Sometimes there are other fees as well, often non-refundable, like a cleaning fee. Watch out for these and make sure to clarify with your landlord or property manager how to get back your security deposit. **2) Utilities and Services** Every rental is different when it comes to utilities. Make sure you know which utilities are your responsibility and which ones the landlord intends to cover. You should also check on who covers the garbage service. You can get an idea of local utility costs by asking a few neighbors if you're feeling social. **3) How Late Rent Works** No doubt you intend to pay your rent in full and on time every month, but don't let that stop you from reading the late rent policy. Stuff happens you don't always have control over, like your cat getting terribly sick on rent payment day. Make sure you know: - How late rent can be - What the late fee is - If you can stop the late fee with partial payment - If late rent is grounds for eviction **4) Other Occupants** Maybe you live alone now or signed the lease with a partner or roommate, but occupancy can change during the period of your lease. Read your lease to find out the length of time you can have guests over without adding them to the lease and if you're allowed to sublet with or without permission. This is especially important if you're thinking about a little Airbnb action. **5) Who Repairs What** Get a very clear idea of what you are expected to repair yourself and what your landlord or property manager wants you to call in for. Whether you're an independent DIY type or struggle to plunge a toilet, it's important to know what's written in the lease to know where your legal obligation lies. **6) Right of Entry (Yours and Theirs)** First, your lease indicates the date your landlord must give you the keys or face penalties and returned partial rent. Second, it tells you under what terms your landlord or property manager is allowed to enter your home. In general, their visits require forward notice and your permission so you don't have to put up with any 'Wacky Neighbor' surprise arrivals. **7) Your Landscaping Duties** In residential neighborhoods with single family homes, you might be expected to keep the yard nice in order to maintain the value of the home. However, some landlords want to do their own landscaping or have it managed by a service. Make sure you understand what to expect. **8) Quiet Hours** Quiet hours usually only apply to multi-family buildings, but they are a part of some standard lease agreements. If this clause exists, you can definitely get evicted or other kinds of trouble for making too much noise at the wrong time. Read the lease carefully to know your soundscape rights and limitations. **9) Pets** Some leases are very clear about pets, some don't mention them at all. The lease will let you know what the [base-rules about pets are](https://www.hometeampm.com/responsible-pet-owner-apartment), if any, and any updates should be discussed before you bring in an animal. Always get a new pet agreement in writing and signed to cover your rear in case of later disputes. **10) Addendums** Most landlords use boilerplate leases printed up off the internet, which is perfectly fine, but never assume that just because you recognize the template that every clause will be exactly the same. Landlords also make addendums and edits all the time. Maybe a there's a custom late rent policy, maybe there's an extra pet clause. Sometimes there are very unusual things added like your requirement to tend their begonias or dry-clean and re-hang their drapes before moving out. In other words, better safe than sorry. Leases may all look the same at a glance, but they often vary quite wildly. Never assume you know what's in a contract before you sign it and, if you did sign a lease agreement without reading it, now would be the time. As a renter, it's your job to know your responsibilities to the landlord, the property managers, and the property itself.  ![icon](https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Home_Team_2022/Group%205168%20(1).svg) #### SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE THE LATEST NEWS Stay in the know with the latest news form the leaders in property management ### Subscribe Here! ### Popular Posts #### The Great Pet Debate: To Allow Pets In Your... | HomeTeam Property Management | 30 January 2020 When you become a landlord, it is up to you to decide what you will... [READ FULL POST](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/great-pet-debate-allow-pets-in-apartment) #### What Counts as a Rental Home Maintenance... | HomeTeam Property Management | 11 November 2020 Tenants are often shy about calling for repairs from their landlords... [READ FULL POST](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/what-counts-as-a-rental-home-maintenance-emergency) #### How Many Pets Should Be Permitted Inside Your... | HomeTeam Property Management | 16 June 2020 It's estimated that 67% of all families in the U.S. own at least one... [READ FULL POST](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/how-many-pets-should-be-permitted-inside-your-property) ## SIMILAR POSTS #### 5 Apartment Friendly Pets that Never Touch the Floor | HomeTeam Property Management  | 06 February 2020 There have been many discussions about how wise it is to keep pets in apartments. Dogs take a great... [READ FULL POST](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/5-apartment-friendly-pets) #### Why a Fresh Coat of Paint Can Attract New Apartment Residents | HomeTeam Property Management  | 18 September 2018 How to Attract New Apartment Residents [READ FULL POST](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/fresh-paint-can-attract-new-apartment-residents) #### 6 Stresses Property Management Services Handle For You | HomeTeam Property Management  | 19 May 2020 Whether you are new to property investing or have been doing this for years, managing a property is... [READ FULL POST](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/6-stresses-property-management-services-handle-for-you) #### Budget Tips for Tenants When Leasing Your First Rental Home | HomeTeam Property Management  | 20 August 2013 You’ve picked your ideal rental home and informed your parents they can finally turn your childhood... [READ FULL POST](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/budgeting-tips-tenants-leasing-first-rental) [![hometeam-logo](https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Hometeam%20Webiste/Footer/hometeam-logo.svg "hometeam-logo")](https://www.hometeampm.com) In 1992, HomeTeam Property Management started with a simple goal: **To provide clients with quality property management services to maintain their investment.** [![icon-facebook](https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Hometeam%20Webiste/Footer/icon-facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/HomeTeamPropertyManagement) [![icon-twitter](https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Hometeam%20Webiste/Footer/icon-twitter.svg)](https://twitter.com/hometeampm) [![icon-youtube](https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Hometeam%20Webiste/Footer/icon-youtube.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/user/hometeampm/videos) #### NAVIGATION - [About](https://www.hometeampm.com/about/about-hpm) - [Management Services](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services) - [Owners](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners) - [Tenants](https://www.hometeampm.com/tenants) - [Properties](https://www.hometeampm.com/properties) #### CONTACT US **San Diego Office** 821 Bowsprit Road Chula Vista, CA 91914 **Phone:** [(619) 872-7368](tel:619-872-7368) [(855) 450-7368](tel:855-450-7368) #### SUBSCRIBE TO OUR BLOG Stay in the know with the latest news form the leaders in property management © 2022 **Hometeam Property Management.** All Rights Reserved. - [Privacy Policy](https://www.hometeampm.com/privacy-policy) Hometeam Property Management is committed to ensuring compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Including incorporating the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 (https://www.w3.org/TR/WCAG21/) and applying Level A Success Criteria and conformance Requirements. [*Website by Geekly Media*](https://www.geeklymedia.com/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "HomeTeam Property Management", "url" : "https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/author/hometeam-property-management" }, "dateModified" : "2022-09-22T16:31:53.633Z", "datePublished" : "2018-06-18T07:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "10 Things Every Renter Needs to Know About Their Lease", "image" : [ "https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/iStock-150005980.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/10-things-every-renter-needs-to-know-about-their-lease", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/logo%20(1).png" }, "name" : "HomeTeam Property Management" } } ```