Lease dictionary
Your lease, translated into plain English.
41 terms landlords use - decoded, with the catch to watch for in each one.
Addendum
An add-on document that becomes part of your lease, covering things like pets, parking, or mold.
Read the full meaningArbitration clause
A clause requiring disputes to go to a private arbitrator instead of court.
Read the full meaningAssignment
Transferring your entire lease to someone else, who then becomes the tenant.
Read the full meaningAttorney fees clause
A clause saying the loser of a lease dispute pays the winner's lawyer bills.
Read the full meaningAutomatic renewal clause
A clause that renews your lease by itself unless you opt out by a deadline.
Read the full meaningEarly termination clause
The lease's exit door: what it costs to leave before the term ends.
Read the full meaningEscalation clause
A clause that raises your rent automatically during the lease - by a set % or an index like CPI.
Read the full meaningEviction (unlawful detainer)
The court process - the only legal process - for removing a tenant.
Read the full meaningLate fee
The charge for paying rent after the due date (and any grace period).
Read the full meaningLease rider
Another name for an attachment that modifies the standard lease - same idea as an addendum.
Read the full meaningLiability waiver
A clause claiming the landlord isn't responsible even when they're at fault - often unenforceable.
Read the full meaningLiquidated damages
A pre-set dollar amount for breaking a lease rule, agreed in advance.
Read the full meaningRent abatement
A temporary reduction or pause in rent, usually because part of the home became unusable.
Read the full meaningRent escrow
Paying rent to a court or neutral account - instead of the landlord - until repairs get made.
Read the full meaningRenters insurance clause
A lease requirement that you carry renters insurance, often with minimum coverage.
Read the full meaningRetaliation
A landlord punishing you for exercising your rights - illegal in nearly every state.
Read the full meaningRight of entry
When and how the landlord may enter your home - usually with advance notice.
Read the full meaningSecurity deposit
Money held against damage and unpaid rent - with strict state rules on limits and returns.
Read the full meaningSeverability clause
If one clause of the lease is illegal, the rest still stands.
Read the full meaningSubletting
Renting out your place (or a room) while you stay on the lease.
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