From Jennifer Lai,
Your Guide to Apartment Living / Rental.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!

Additional Clauses: Protocols, Policies, and Restrictions

Most leases contain other stipulations beyond the basics, from fees for late payment of rent to pets to renovating the apartment. Here are some other typical clauses to be aware of.

• Rent due dates. Many leases state the exact date that rent should be due. And, in addition to that, some state...
  
  
• Consequences of paying rent late. This could be anything, though usually it is a fine (I once rented from a landlord who required all remaining rent payments to be paid with a certified check after one late rent payment). Some landlords, though, are gracious enough to offer a grace period.
  
  
• Additional fees. In addition to rent, some landlords charge other fees, which should be stated in the lease. These fees range from key deposits to pet deposits to garage-usage fees.
  
  
• Services paid for by the landlord. This could be heat, hot and cold water, electricity, or all of the above.
  
  
• Pet policy. This specifies whether pets are allowed. Some landlords may allow caged pets only, or cats or small dogs only.
  
  
• Waterbed policy. Some landlords forbid waterbeds, because of potential damage to the apartment.
  
  
• Policy on altering the apartment. Since you don't own the apartment, most landlords don't permit rampant renovations without obtaining their approval first. Restrictions can cover changes such as painting, wallpapering, adding walls, railing, etc. If you do want to make changes, consult them first.
  
  
• Visitors policy. Some leases contain a policy regarding guests who stay in your apartment for a long period of time. They may require the "guest" to start paying rent.
  
  
• Policy on subletting. Subletting is not always allowed. This section explains any requirements for subletting. For example, the landlord may require permission to sublet as well as approve of the person to whom you intend to sublet.
  
  
• Policy on repairs. This section lays out the responsibilities of repairs should something break (and annoyingly, something always does).
  
  
• Policy on renters insurance. Some landlords require you to buy renters insurance, which would be spelled out in this section.
  
  
• Landlord's Right of Entry. Some states have laws governing whether a landlord can enter your apartment without letting you know first (except in cases of emergency). This section discusses whether a landlord needs permission, how much notice must be given, and other such details.
  
  
• Early termination of the lease. If you want to break the lease, for whatever reason, this section describes the penalties for doing so.

Read about apartment riders.