Lease review checklist: what to check before you sign

• Check every tenant and landlord or manager name.
• Match the address, unit, parking and storage to what you were shown.
• Record start and end dates and move-in condition.
• Collect every referenced pet, parking, utility and building-rules addendum.
• Put promised repairs, appliances and concessions in writing.
• Keep a complete final signed copy.

Ask: “Please send every document referenced here before I sign.”

• Confirm rent, due date and payment method.
• Itemize utilities, parking, pet rent and recurring service charges.
• Check when promotional discounts end.
• Read initial and daily late fees and their triggers.
• Locate renewal and rent-change terms.

Ask: “What is the total recurring amount, including mandatory fees?” Use the property state’s official guidance rather than importing another state’s late-fee rule.

• Label each move-in payment as rent, security, application charge or another fee.
• List the deposit amount and possible deductions.
• Find where to send a forwarding address.
• Save move-in photos and a condition list.
• Check whether a fee instead of a deposit is refundable and whether damage can still be charged.

Ask: “Which payments can be refunded, and under what conditions?” Deposit deadlines and exceptions vary; check the state guide.

• Identify entry reasons, notice methods, times and emergency exceptions.
• Record routine and emergency repair contacts.
• Learn how to report problems and retain evidence.
• Distinguish tenant-caused damage from ordinary maintenance.
• Flag any “tenant pays for all repairs” term for review.

Ask: “Where do I send repair requests, and what is the emergency contact?” Do not ignore an eviction notice or urgent safety issue while waiting for an AI report.

• Identify fixed-term versus month-to-month tenancy.
• Record the notice deadline, address and delivery method.
• Locate automatic renewal and holdover terms.
• Read early-exit fees, reletting fees and remaining-rent language.
• Check subletting, assignment and roommate replacement.
• Put any negotiated release and remaining amounts due in writing.

Ask: “If I leave early, what procedure and amounts apply?” Do not assume notice alone cancels a fixed-term lease.

• Copy each unclear clause and page number into your own private notes.
• Ask one specific question per issue.
• Keep written replies and signed changes.
• Save the final version, receipts and condition photos.