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AIR
12-06-2007, 11:28 PM
Pennsylvania Residential Lease Agreement

THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement") made and entered into this ____________ day of ____________________________, 20____, by and between __________________________________________________ ___________________ (hereinafter referred to as "Landlord") and __________________________________________________ ___________________ (hereinafter referred to as "Tenant").

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, Landlord is the fee owner of certain real property being, lying and situated in _______________ County, Pennsylvania, such real property having a street address of __________________________________________________ ____________ (hereinafter referred to as the "Premises").

WHEREAS, Landlord desires to lease the Premises to Tenant upon the terms and conditions as contained herein; and

WHEREAS, Tenant desires to lease the Premises from Landlord on the terms and conditions as contained herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the covenants and obligations contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.

TERM. Landlord leases to Tenant and Tenant leases from Landlord the above described Premises together with any and all appurtenances thereto, for a term of __________________ [specify number of months or years], such term beginning on __________________, and ending at 11:59 PM on ______________________.

2.

RENT. The total rent for the term hereof is the sum of __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($____________) payable on the ______ day of each month of the term, in equal installments of __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($_____________), first and last installments to be paid upon the due execution of this Agreement, the second installment to be paid on _______________________. All such payments shall be made to Landlord at Landlord's address as set forth in the preamble to this Agreement on or before the due date and without demand.

3.

SECURITY DEPOSIT. Upon the due execution of this Agreement, Tenant shall deposit with Landlord the sum of __________________________________________________ _______ DOLLARS ($______________), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by Landlord, as security for any damage caused to the Premises during the term hereof.

Interest on Security Deposit. In accordance with Pennsylvania law, and subject to the exception set forth in this Paragraph, such deposit shall be returned to Tenant, without interest, and less any set off for damages to the Premises upon the termination of this Agreement. Landlord will only pay interest to Tenant if both of the following two (2) conditions are met: (i) Landlord requires a security deposit in excess of $100, and (ii) the Tenant has rented from Landlord for twenty-four (24) months. If both conditions are met, then starting on the twenty-fifth (25) month of Tenant's Lease, Landlord will pay Tenant interest on Tenant's security deposit, less a 1% administrative fee, to be paid annually on the date of Tenant's Lease.

Timing of Return of Security Deposit. Within thirty (30) days after the termination of Tenant's Lease, or Tenant's surrender of possession of the Premises, whichever first occurs, Landlord will return Tenant's security deposit and any unpaid interest, less any allowed deductions. If any part of Tenant's security deposit is withheld, Landlord will notify Tenant in writing at the new address Tenant provides of any damages to the Premises for which Landlord claims Tenant is liable.

4.

USE OF PREMISES. The Premises shall be used and occupied by Tenant and Tenant's immediate family, consisting of ______________________ __________________________ ____________, exclusively, as a private single family dwelling, and no part of the Premises shall be used at any time during the term of this Agreement by Tenant for the purpose of carrying on any business, profession, or trade of any kind, or for any purpose other than as a private single family dwelling. Tenant shall not allow any other person, other than Tenant's immediate family or transient relatives and friends who are guests of Tenant, to use or occupy the Premises without first obtaining Landlord's written consent to such use. Tenant shall comply with any and all laws, ordinances, rules and orders of any and all governmental or quasi-governmental authorities affecting the cleanliness, use, occupancy and preservation of the Premises.

5.

CONDITION OF PREMISES. Tenant stipulates, represents and warrants that Tenant has examined the Premises, and that they are at the time of this Lease in good order, repair, and in a safe, clean and tenantable condition.

6.

ASSIGNMENT AND SUB-LETTING. Tenant shall not assign this Agreement, or sub-let or grant any license to use the Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of Landlord. A consent by Landlord to one such assignment, sub-letting or license shall not be deemed to be a consent to any subsequent assignment, sub-letting or license. An assignment, sub-letting or license without the prior written consent of Landlord or an assignment or sub-letting by operation of law shall be absolutely null and void and shall, at Landlord's option, terminate this Agreement.

7.

ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS. Tenant shall make no alterations to the buildings or improvements on the Premises or construct any building or make any other improvements on the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord. Any and all alterations, changes, and/or improvements built, constructed or placed on the Premises by Tenant shall, unless otherwise provided by written agreement between Landlord and Tenant, be and become the property of Landlord and remain on the Premises at the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

8.

NON-DELIVERY OF POSSESSION. In the event Landlord cannot deliver possession of the Premises to Tenant upon the commencement of the Lease term, through no fault of Landlord or its agents, then Landlord or its agents shall have no liability, but the rental herein provided shall abate until possession is given. Landlord or its agents shall have thirty (30) days in which to give possession, and if possession is tendered within such time, Tenant agrees to accept the demised Premises and pay the rental herein provided from that date. In the event possession cannot be delivered within such time, through no fault of Landlord or its agents, then this Agreement and all rights hereunder shall terminate.

9.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Tenant shall not keep on the Premises any item of a dangerous, flammable or explosive character that might unreasonably increase the danger of fire or explosion on the Premises or that might be considered hazardous or extra hazardous by any responsible insurance company.

10.

UTILITIES. Tenant shall be responsible for arranging for and paying for all utility services required on the Premises.

11.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR; RULES. Tenant will, at its sole expense, keep and maintain the Premises and appurtenances in good and sanitary condition and repair during the term of this Agreement and any renewal thereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Tenant shall:

(a) Not obstruct the driveways, sidewalks, courts, entry ways, stairs and/or halls, which shall be used for the purposes of ingress and egress only;

(b) Keep all windows, glass, window coverings, doors, locks and hardware in good, clean order and repair;

(c) Not obstruct or cover the windows or doors;

(d) Not leave windows or doors in an open position during any inclement weather;

(e) Not hang any laundry, clothing, sheets, etc. from any window, rail, porch or balcony nor air or dry any of same within any yard area or space;

(f) Not cause or permit any locks or hooks to be placed upon any door or window without the prior written consent of Landlord;

(g) Keep all air conditioning filters clean and free from dirt;

(h) Keep all lavatories, sinks, toilets, and all other water and plumbing apparatus in good order and repair and shall use same only for the purposes for which they were constructed. Tenant shall not allow any sweepings, rubbish, sand, rags, ashes or other substances to be thrown or deposited therein. Any damage to any such apparatus and the cost of clearing stopped plumbing resulting from misuse shall be borne by Tenant;

(i) And Tenant's family and guests shall at all times maintain order in the Premises and at all places on the Premises, and shall not make or permit any loud or improper noises, or otherwise disturb other residents;

(j) Keep all radios, television sets, stereos, phonographs, etc., turned down to a level of sound that does not annoy or interfere with other residents;

(k) Deposit all trash, garbage, rubbish or refuse in the locations provided therefor and shall not allow any trash, garbage, rubbish or refuse to be deposited or permitted to stand on the exterior of any building or within the common elements;

(l) Abide by and be bound by any and all rules and regulations affecting the Premises or the common area appurtenant thereto which may be adopted or promulgated by the Condominium or Homeowners' Association having control over them.

12.

DAMAGE TO PREMISES. In the event the Premises are destroyed or rendered wholly uninhabitable by fire, storm, earthquake, or other casualty not caused by the negligence of Tenant, this Agreement shall terminate from such time except for the purpose of enforcing rights that may have then accrued hereunder. The rental provided for herein shall then be accounted for by and between Landlord and Tenant up to the time of such injury or destruction of the Premises, Tenant paying rentals up to such date and Landlord refunding rentals collected beyond such date. Should a portion of the Premises thereby be rendered uninhabitable, the Landlord shall have the option of either repairing such injured or damaged portion or terminating this Lease. In the event that Landlord exercises its right to repair such uninhabitable portion, the rental shall abate in the proportion that the injured parts bears to the whole Premises, and such part so injured shall be restored by Landlord as speedily as practicable, after which the full rent shall recommence and the Agreement continue according to its terms.

13.

INSPECTION OF PREMISES. Landlord and Landlord's agents shall have the right at all reasonable times during the term of this Agreement and any renewal thereof to enter the Premises for the purpose of inspecting the Premises and all buildings and improvements thereon. And for the purposes of making any repairs, additions or alterations as may be deemed appropriate by Landlord for the preservation of the Premises or the building. Landlord and its agents shall further have the right to exhibit the Premises and to display the usual "for sale", "for rent" or "vacancy" signs on the Premises at any time within forty-five (45) days before the expiration of this Lease. The right of entry shall likewise exist for the purpose of removing placards, signs, fixtures, alterations or additions, that do not conform to this Agreement or to any restrictions, rules or regulations affecting the Premises.

14.

SUBORDINATION OF LEASE. This Agreement and Tenant's interest hereunder are and shall be subordinate, junior and inferior to any and all mortgages, liens or encumbrances now or hereafter placed on the Premises by Landlord, all advances made under any such mortgages, liens or encumbrances (including, but not limited to, future advances), the interest payable on such mortgages, liens or encumbrances and any and all renewals, extensions or modifications of such mortgages, liens or encumbrances.

15.

TENANT'S HOLD OVER. If Tenant remains in possession of the Premises with the consent of Landlord after the natural expiration of this Agreement, a new tenancy from month-to-month shall be created between Landlord and Tenant which shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions hereof except that rent shall then be due and owing at __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($___________) per month and except that such tenancy shall be terminable upon thirty (30) days written notice served by either party.

16.

SURRENDER OF PREMISES. Upon the expiration of the term hereof, Tenant shall surrender the Premises in as good a state and condition as they were at the commencement of this Agreement, reasonable use and wear and tear thereof and damages by the elements excepted.

17.

ANIMALS. Tenant shall be entitled to keep no more than __________ (____) domestic dogs, cats or birds; however, at such time as Tenant shall actually keep any such animal on the Premises, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a pet deposit of __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($_________), __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($_________) of which shall be non-refundable and shall be used upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement for the purposes of cleaning the carpets of the building.

18.

QUIET ENJOYMENT. Tenant, upon payment of all of the sums referred to herein as being payable by Tenant and Tenant's performance of all Tenant's agreements contained herein and Tenant's observance of all rules and regulations, shall and may peacefully and quietly have, hold and enjoy said Premises for the term hereof.

19.

INDEMNIFICATION. Landlord shall not be liable for any damage or injury of or to the Tenant, Tenant's family, guests, invitees, agents or employees or to any person entering the Premises or the building of which the Premises are a part or to goods or equipment, or in the structure or equipment of the structure of which the Premises are a part, and Tenant hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Landlord harmless from any and all claims or assertions of every kind and nature.

20.

DEFAULT. If Landlord determines that the Tenant is in default of this Agreement, as authorized under 68 P.S. §250.501, Landlord may terminate Tenant's right to use and to occupy the Premises by providing Tenant with at least one (1) day written Notice to Quit. Landlord may provide such notice by serving it personally on Tenant, or by leaving the same at the principal building on the Premises, or by posting the same conspicuously on the leased Premises. In addition, all unpaid rents payable during the remainder of this Agreement or any renewal period shall be accelerated without notice or demand. Tenant shall remain fully liable to the Landlord for (a) any lost rent and any other financial obligation under this Agreement; (b) Landlord's cost of reletting the Premises including but not limited to leasing fees, utility charges, and any other fees necessary to relet the Premises; (c) repairs to the Premises for Tenant's use that are beyond normal wear and tear; (d) all of Landlord's costs associated with evicting Tenant, including but not limited to court costs, costs of service, prejudgment interest, and reasonable attorney's fees; (e) all of Landlord's costs associated with collecting amounts due under this Agreement, including but not limited to debt collection fees, late charges, and returned check charges; (f) and any other recovery to which Landlord is entitled by law or in equity. Landlord is obligated to make all reasonable efforts to mitigate any damage or loss resulting from Tenant's breach by attempting to relet the Premises to acceptable tenants and thereby reducing Tenant's liability. As provided under 68 P.S. §250.302, Landlord shall have the right to distrain Tenant's qualifying and otherwise nonexempt personal property located upon the Premises for Tenant's failure to pay rent when due, and Landlord is authorized to distrain such property on any day, except Sunday, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM and not at any other time, except where Tenant through Tenant's act prevents the execution of the warrant during such hours. Notice in writing of such distress, stating the cause of such taking, specifying the date of levy and the personal property distrained sufficiently to inform Tenant or owner what personal property is distrained and the amount of rent in arrears, shall be given, within five (5) days after making the distress, to Tenant and any other owner known to Landlord, personally, or by mailing the same to Tenant or any other owner at the Premises, or by posting the same conspicuously on the Premises charged with the rent. The personal property distrained may not exceed the value of the rent owed.

21.

LATE CHARGE. In the event that any payment required to be paid by Tenant hereunder is not made within three (3) days of when due, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, in addition to such payment or other charges due hereunder, a "late fee" in the amount of __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($__________).

22.

ABANDONMENT. If at any time during the term of this Agreement Tenant abandons the Premises or any part thereof, Landlord may, at Landlord's option, obtain possession of the Premises in the manner provided by law, and without becoming liable to Tenant for damages or for any payment of any kind whatever. Landlord may, at Landlord's discretion, as agent for Tenant, relet the Premises, or any part thereof, for the whole or any part thereof, for the whole or any part of the then unexpired term, and may receive and collect all rent payable by virtue of such reletting, and, at Landlord's option, hold Tenant liable for any difference between the rent that would have been payable under this Agreement during the balance of the unexpired term, if this Agreement had continued in force, and the net rent for such period realized by Landlord by means of such reletting. If Landlord's right of reentry is exercised following abandonment of the Premises by Tenant, then Landlord shall consider any personal property belonging to Tenant and left on the Premises to also have been abandoned, in which case Landlord may dispose of all such personal property in any manner Landlord shall deem proper and Landlord is hereby relieved of all liability for doing so.

23.

ATTORNEYS' FEES. Should it become necessary for Landlord to employ an attorney to enforce any of the conditions or covenants hereof, including the collection of rentals or gaining possession of the Premises, Tenant agrees to pay all expenses so incurred, including a reasonable attorneys' fee.

24.

RECORDING OF AGREEMENT. Tenant shall not record this Agreement on the Public Records of any public office. In the event that Tenant shall record this Agreement, this Agreement shall, at Landlord's option, terminate immediately and Landlord shall be entitled to all rights and remedies that it has at law or in equity.

25.

GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed, construed and interpreted by, through and under the Laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

26.

SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof shall, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, neither the remainder of this Agreement nor the application of the provision to other persons, entities or circumstances shall be affected thereby, but instead shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.

27.

BINDING EFFECT. The covenants, obligations and conditions herein contained shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, and assigns of the parties hereto.

28.

DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS. The descriptive headings used herein are for convenience of reference only and they are not intended to have any effect whatsoever in determining the rights or obligations of the Landlord or Tenant.

29.

CONSTRUCTION. The pronouns used herein shall include, where appropriate, either gender or both, singular and plural.

30.

NON-WAIVER. No indulgence, waiver, election or non-election by Landlord under this Agreement shall affect Tenant's duties and liabilities hereunder.

31.

MODIFICATION. The parties hereby agree that this document contains the entire agreement between the parties and this Agreement shall not be modified, changed, altered or amended in any way except through a written amendment signed by all of the parties hereto.

32.

NOTICE. Any notice required or permitted under this Lease or under state law shall be deemed sufficiently given or served if sent by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

If to Landlord to:

______________________________________________
[Landlord's Name]

______________________________________________
______________________________________________
[Landlord's Address]

If to Tenant to:

______________________________________________
[Tenant's Name]

______________________________________________
______________________________________________
[Tenant's Address]

Landlord and Tenant shall each have the right from time to time to change the place notice is to be given under this paragraph by written notice thereof to the other party.
33.

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS; DISCLOSURES.
__________________________________________________ __________
__________________________________________________ __________
__________________________________________________ __________
__________________________________________________ __________
__________________________________________________ __________
__________________________________________________ __________
[Landlord should note above any disclosures about the premises that may be required under Federal or Pennsylvania law, such as known lead-based paint hazards in the Premises. The Landlord should also disclose any flood hazards.]


As to Landlord this ______ day of ________________________, 20_____.

LANDLORD:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: _________________________________ Date: ______________


As to Tenant, this ______ day of ________________________, 20_____.

TENANT ("Tenant"):


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________ Date: ______________

TENANT:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________ Date: ______________

TENANT:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________ Date: ______________

TENANT:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________ Date: ______________

AIR
12-06-2007, 11:34 PM
anything I am missing? Anything I should add. I have a few questions:
if I am supplying a fridge, washer, dryer, microwave and I dont want to be responsible for them if they break or stop working. Is there a way to write this into the lease? Also what is the standard late fee?

Debbie
12-06-2007, 11:49 PM
Air,

I see several potential problems right off the bat but allow me to spend more time reading through the rental agreement. I'll make recommendations no later than tomorrow afternoon. Plus, I'll need to check your state's landlord/tenant laws.

AIR
12-07-2007, 12:03 AM
Debbie you're the BEST!

PMCS
12-07-2007, 12:09 AM
I think including a statement in your lease saying that the items are included as a convenience for your renters and that you won't repair them is all you need. Of course, it's all dependent on PA's landlord laws.

I have a rental in AL. I was installing a dishwasher (the portable one had left with one of my tenants) and I was going to put in a disposal as well. I wanted to include a clause in my lease that held the tenants responsible for any clogs. Was told by the management company that I would have to unclog it if the tenants clogged it up. Same way with the fridge, if I put it in there, I had to maintain it. Don't know if it's the law or just the management company policy. I put in the new fridge and dishwasher, left out the disposal. I'm not local to the house so I didn't want to mess with it.

Debbie
12-08-2007, 03:16 PM
Pennsylvania Residential Lease Agreement
I highly recommend you specify # of months Agreement. For example: Auto-Renewal Month To Month Agreement if it's M2M, Three Months Agreement, Six Months Agreement, etc. Make it specific and less confusing for the potential tenants.

THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement") the hereinafter comment is not needed) made and entered into this ____________ day of ____________________________, 20____, add the ending date here)by and between __________________________________________________ ___________________ (hereinafter referred to as "Landlord") and __________________________________________________ ___________________ (hereinafter referred to as "Tenant"). change from "tenant" to "Primary Tenant". Also, add "Co-Tenant" if there's more than one tenant)

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, Landlord is the fee owner of certain real property being, lying and situated in _______________ County, Pennsylvania, such real property having a street address of __________________________________________________ ____________ (hereinafter referred to as the "Premises").
Eliminate everything starting with the "witnesseth..........to as the "Premises". Put the address/county under Agreement above. Forget the landlord is the fee owner comment. You'll be asking for trouble.

WHEREAS, Landlord desires to lease the Premises to Tenant upon the terms and conditions as contained herein; and

WHEREAS, Tenant desires to lease the Premises from Landlord on the terms and conditions as contained herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the covenants and obligations contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.

TERM. Landlord leases to Tenant and Tenant leases from Landlord the above described Premises together with any and all appurtenances thereto, for a term of __________________ [specify number of months or years], such term beginning on __________________, and ending at 11:59 PM on ______________________.
Eliminate 11:59pm. Put in a realistic timeframe such as 6:00 pm
2.

RENT. The total rent for the term hereof is the sum of __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($____________) payable on the ______ day of each month of the term, in equal installments of __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($_____________), first and last installments to be paid upon the due execution of this Agreement, the second installment to be paid on _______________________. All such payments shall be made to Landlord at Landlord's address as set forth in the preamble to this Agreement on or before the due date and without demand. It better NOT be your home address!!!You want two payments? Why?

3.

SECURITY DEPOSIT. Upon the due execution of this Agreement, Tenant shall deposit with Landlord the sum of __________________________________________________ _______ DOLLARS ($______________), receipt of which is hereby acknowledged by Landlord, as security for any damage caused to the Premises during the term hereof.Always specify the Security Deposit to be less than the monthly rent. For example: $800/month for rent yet the Security Deposit is $700.00. This will make it difficult for tenant to use the Security Deposit as "last month's rent".

Interest on Security Deposit. In accordance with Pennsylvania law, and subject to the exception set forth in this Paragraph, such deposit shall be returned to Tenant, without interest, and less any set off for damages to the Premises upon the termination of this Agreement. Landlord will only pay interest to Tenant if both of the following two (2) conditions are met: (i) Landlord requires a security deposit in excess of $100, and (ii) the Tenant has rented from Landlord for twenty-four (24) months. If both conditions are met, then starting on the twenty-fifth (25) month of Tenant's Lease, Landlord will pay Tenant interest on Tenant's security deposit, less a 1% administrative fee, to be paid annually on the date of Tenant's Lease.

Timing of Return of Security Deposit. Within thirty (30) days after the termination of Tenant's Lease, or Tenant's surrender of possession of the Premises, whichever first occurs, Landlord will return Tenant's security deposit and any unpaid interest, less any allowed deductions. If any part of Tenant's security deposit is withheld, Landlord will notify Tenant in writing at the new address Tenant provides of any damages to the Premises for which Landlord claims Tenant is liable. Change it to within 30 days after the Tenant vacates. The word "vacates" means that the tenant and his/her belongings are out. Can not be one or the other.

4.

USE OF PREMISES. The Premises shall be used and occupied by Tenant and Tenant's immediate family, consisting of ______________________ __________________________ ____________, exclusively, as a private single family dwelling, and no part of the Premises shall be used at any time during the term of this Agreement by Tenant for the purpose of carrying on any business, profession, or trade of any kind, or for any purpose other than as a private single family dwelling. Tenant shall not allow any other person, other than Tenant's immediate family or transient relatives and friends who are guests of Tenant, to use or occupy the Premises without first obtaining Landlord's written consent to such use. Believe it or not, this statement is too vagued. You'll be making it easy for the tenant to lie about his/her relations. Tenant shall comply with any and all laws, ordinances, rules and orders of any and all governmental or quasi-governmental authorities affecting the cleanliness, use, occupancy and preservation of the Premises.

5.

CONDITION OF PREMISES. Tenant stipulates, represents and warrants that Tenant has examined the Premises, and that they are at the time of this Lease in good order, repair, and in a safe, clean and tenantable condition. Too vague and easy for Tenant to sue you in court.

6.

ASSIGNMENT AND SUB-LETTING. Tenant shall not assign this Agreement, or sub-let or grant any license to use the Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of Landlord. A consent by Landlord to one such assignment, sub-letting or license shall not be deemed to be a consent to any subsequent assignment, sub-letting or license. An assignment, sub-letting or license without the prior written consent of Landlord or an assignment or sub-letting by operation of law shall be absolutely null and void and shall, at Landlord's option, terminate this Agreement. Unless your state prohibits it, I'd make a statement that assignment and sub-letting is not permitted.

7.

ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS. Tenant shall make no alterations to the buildings or improvements on the Premises or construct any building or make any other improvements on the Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord. Any and all alterations, changes, and/or improvements built, constructed or placed on the Premises by Tenant shall, unless otherwise provided by written agreement between Landlord and Tenant, be and become the property of Landlord and remain on the Premises at the expiration or earlier termination of this Agreement.

8.

NON-DELIVERY OF POSSESSION. In the event Landlord cannot deliver possession of the Premises to Tenant upon the commencement of the Lease term, through no fault of Landlord or its agents, then Landlord or its agents shall have no liability, but the rental herein provided shall abate until possession is given. Landlord or its agents shall have thirty (30) days in which to give possession, and if possession is tendered within such time, Tenant agrees to accept the demised Premises and pay the rental herein provided from that date. In the event possession cannot be delivered within such time, through no fault of Landlord or its agents, then this Agreement and all rights hereunder shall terminate.

9.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. Tenant shall not keep on the Premises any item of a dangerous, flammable or explosive character that might unreasonably increase the danger of fire or explosion on the Premises or that might be considered hazardous or extra hazardous by any responsible insurance company.

10.

UTILITIES. Tenant shall be responsible for arranging for and paying for all utility services required on the Premises. Be specific on what those utilities involved. Does this includes landline phone? Gas heat? Electric? Cable?

11.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR; RULES. Tenant will, at its sole expense, keep and maintain the Premises and appurtenances in good and sanitary condition and repair during the term of this Agreement and any renewal thereof. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Tenant shall:

(a) Not obstruct the driveways, sidewalks, courts, entry ways, stairs and/or halls, which shall be used for the purposes of ingress and egress only;

(b) Keep all windows, glass, window coverings, doors, locks and hardware in good, clean order and repair;

(c) Not obstruct or cover the windows or doors;

(d) Not leave windows or doors in an open position during any inclement weather;

(e) Not hang any laundry, clothing, sheets, etc. from any window, rail, porch or balcony nor air or dry any of same within any yard area or space;

(f) Not cause or permit any locks or hooks to be placed upon any door or window without the prior written consent of Landlord;

(g) Keep all air conditioning filters clean and free from dirt;Scratch this one. You need to check the premises and replacing filters is an excellent way to do it. Plus, tenants usually do not replace filters.

(h) Keep all lavatories, sinks, toilets, and all other water and plumbing apparatus in good order and repair and shall use same only for the purposes for which they were constructed. Tenant shall not allow any sweepings, rubbish, sand, rags, ashes or other substances to be thrown or deposited therein. Any damage to any such apparatus and the cost of clearing stopped plumbing resulting from misuse shall be borne by Tenant;You still need to add comment that you will do periodic inspection on plumbings.

(i) And Tenant's family and guests shall at all times maintain order in the Premises and at all places on the Premises, and shall not make or permit any loud or improper noises, or otherwise disturb other residents;Be specific. What improper noises mean to you will be different to the tenant. What is loud to you is not loud to the tenant.

(j) Keep all radios, television sets, stereos, phonographs, etc., turned down to a level of sound that does not annoy or interfere with other residents;

(k) Deposit all trash, garbage, rubbish or refuse in the locations provided therefor and shall not allow any trash, garbage, rubbish or refuse to be deposited or permitted to stand on the exterior of any building or within the common elements;Unless your state does not permit it, you can add a comment that should the tenant fail to deposit trash in it's proper location, landlord can terminate the lease

(l) Abide by and be bound by any and all rules and regulations affecting the Premises or the common area appurtenant thereto which may be adopted or promulgated by the Condominium or Homeowners' Association having control over them.

12.

DAMAGE TO PREMISES. In the event the Premises are destroyed or rendered wholly uninhabitable by fire, storm, earthquake, or other casualty not caused by the negligence of Tenant, this Agreement shall terminate from such time except for the purpose of enforcing rights that may have then accrued hereunder. The rental provided for herein shall then be accounted for by and between Landlord and Tenant up to the time of such injury or destruction of the Premises, Tenant paying rentals up to such date and Landlord refunding rentals collected beyond such date. Should a portion of the Premises thereby be rendered uninhabitable, the Landlord shall have the option of either repairing such injured or damaged portion or terminating this Lease. In the event that Landlord exercises its right to repair such uninhabitable portion, the rental shall abate in the proportion that the injured parts bears to the whole Premises, and such part so injured shall be restored by Landlord as speedily as practicable, after which the full rent shall recommence and the Agreement continue according to its terms.

13.

INSPECTION OF PREMISES. Landlord and Landlord's agents shall have the right at all reasonable times during the term of this Agreement and any renewal thereof to enter the Premises for the purpose of inspecting the Premises and all buildings and improvements thereon. And for the purposes of making any repairs, additions or alterations as may be deemed appropriate by Landlord for the preservation of the Premises or the building. Landlord and its agents shall further have the right to exhibit the Premises and to display the usual "for sale", "for rent" or "vacancy" signs on the Premises at any time within forty-five (45) days before the expiration of this Lease. The right of entry shall likewise exist for the purpose of removing placards, signs, fixtures, alterations or additions, that do not conform to this Agreement or to any restrictions, rules or regulations affecting the Premises.

14.

SUBORDINATION OF LEASE. This Agreement and Tenant's interest hereunder are and shall be subordinate, junior and inferior to any and all mortgages, liens or encumbrances now or hereafter placed on the Premises by Landlord, all advances made under any such mortgages, liens or encumbrances (including, but not limited to, future advances), the interest payable on such mortgages, liens or encumbrances and any and all renewals, extensions or modifications of such mortgages, liens or encumbrances.

15.

TENANT'S HOLD OVER. If Tenant remains in possession of the Premises with the consent of Landlord after the natural expiration of this Agreement, a new tenancy from month-to-month shall be created between Landlord and Tenant which shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions hereof except that rent shall then be due and owing at __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($___________) per month and except that such tenancy shall be terminable upon thirty (30) days written notice served by either party. Unless the state prohibits it, add that the rent will be increased from $800/mo to $1600.00 for the duration of hold-over. In other words, double the normal monthly rent.

16.

SURRENDER OF PREMISES. Upon the expiration of the term hereof, Tenant shall surrender the Premises in as good a state and condition as they were at the commencement of this Agreement, reasonable use and wear and tear thereof and damages by the elements excepted. Too vagued

17.

ANIMALS. Tenant shall be entitled to keep no more than __________ (____) domestic dogs, cats or birds; however, at such time as Tenant shall actually keep any such animal on the Premises, Tenant shall pay to Landlord a pet deposit of __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($_________), __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($_________) of which shall be non-refundable and shall be used upon the termination or expiration of this Agreement for the purposes of cleaning the carpets of the building. Add to pet's name, breed, photo attached, copy of vet's immunization, etc)

18.

QUIET ENJOYMENT. Tenant, upon payment of all of the sums referred to herein as being payable by Tenant and Tenant's performance of all Tenant's agreements contained herein and Tenant's observance of all rules and regulations, shall and may peacefully and quietly have, hold and enjoy said Premises for the term hereof.

19.

INDEMNIFICATION. Landlord shall not be liable for any damage or injury of or to the Tenant, Tenant's family, guests, invitees, agents or employees or to any person entering the Premises or the building of which the Premises are a part or to goods or equipment, or in the structure or equipment of the structure of which the Premises are a part, and Tenant hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Landlord harmless from any and all claims or assertions of every kind and nature.

20.

DEFAULT. If Landlord determines that the Tenant is in default of this Agreement, as authorized under 68 P.S. §250.501, Landlord may terminate Tenant's right to use and to occupy the Premises by providing Tenant with at least one (1) day written Notice to Quit. Landlord may provide such notice by serving it personally on Tenant, or by leaving the same at the principal building on the Premises, or by posting the same conspicuously on the leased Premises. In addition, all unpaid rents payable during the remainder of this Agreement or any renewal period shall be accelerated without notice or demand. Tenant shall remain fully liable to the Landlord for (a) any lost rent and any other financial obligation under this Agreement; (b) Landlord's cost of reletting the Premises including but not limited to leasing fees, utility charges, and any other fees necessary to relet the Premises; (c) repairs to the Premises for Tenant's use that are beyond normal wear and tear; (d) all of Landlord's costs associated with evicting Tenant, including but not limited to court costs, costs of service, prejudgment interest, and reasonable attorney's fees; (e) all of Landlord's costs associated with collecting amounts due under this Agreement, including but not limited to debt collection fees, late charges, and returned check charges; (f) and any other recovery to which Landlord is entitled by law or in equity. Landlord is obligated to make all reasonable efforts to mitigate any damage or loss resulting from Tenant's breach by attempting to relet the Premises to acceptable tenants and thereby reducing Tenant's liability. As provided under 68 P.S. §250.302, Landlord shall have the right to distrain Tenant's qualifying and otherwise nonexempt personal property located upon the Premises for Tenant's failure to pay rent when due, and Landlord is authorized to distrain such property on any day, except Sunday, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM and not at any other time, except where Tenant through Tenant's act prevents the execution of the warrant during such hours. Notice in writing of such distress, stating the cause of such taking, specifying the date of levy and the personal property distrained sufficiently to inform Tenant or owner what personal property is distrained and the amount of rent in arrears, shall be given, within five (5) days after making the distress, to Tenant and any other owner known to Landlord, personally, or by mailing the same to Tenant or any other owner at the Premises, or by posting the same conspicuously on the Premises charged with the rent. The personal property distrained may not exceed the value of the rent owed. Distrained? What is distrained? Why is Sunday being the exception? The Default clause is questionable to me.

21.

LATE CHARGE. In the event that any payment required to be paid by Tenant hereunder is not made within three (3) days of when due, Tenant shall pay to Landlord, in addition to such payment or other charges due hereunder, a "late fee" in the amount of __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($__________). Unless the state prohibits it, make it that there is NO grace period hence no late charges needed. Also, make it clear that cash will not be accepted as well as partial payment will not be accepted.

22.

ABANDONMENT. If at any time during the term of this Agreement Tenant abandons the Premises or any part thereof, Landlord may, at Landlord's option, obtain possession of the Premises in the manner provided by law, and without becoming liable to Tenant for damages or for any payment of any kind whatever. Landlord may, at Landlord's discretion, as agent for Tenant, relet the Premises, or any part thereof, for the whole or any part thereof, for the whole or any part of the then unexpired term, and may receive and collect all rent payable by virtue of such reletting, and, at Landlord's option, hold Tenant liable for any difference between the rent that would have been payable under this Agreement during the balance of the unexpired term, if this Agreement had continued in force, and the net rent for such period realized by Landlord by means of such reletting. If Landlord's right of reentry is exercised following abandonment of the Premises by Tenant, then Landlord shall consider any personal property belonging to Tenant and left on the Premises to also have been abandoned, in which case Landlord may dispose of all such personal property in any manner Landlord shall deem proper and Landlord is hereby relieved of all liability for doing so.
This clause is questionable. Will have to check with your state.
23.

ATTORNEYS' FEES. Should it become necessary for Landlord to employ an attorney to enforce any of the conditions or covenants hereof, including the collection of rentals or gaining possession of the Premises, Tenant agrees to pay all expenses so incurred, including a reasonable attorneys' fee.

24.

RECORDING OF AGREEMENT. Tenant shall not record this Agreement on the Public Records of any public office. In the event that Tenant shall record this Agreement, this Agreement shall, at Landlord's option, terminate immediately and Landlord shall be entitled to all rights and remedies that it has at law or in equity.

25.

GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed, construed and interpreted by, through and under the Laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

26.

SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof shall, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, neither the remainder of this Agreement nor the application of the provision to other persons, entities or circumstances shall be affected thereby, but instead shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.

27.

BINDING EFFECT. The covenants, obligations and conditions herein contained shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the heirs, legal representatives, and assigns of the parties hereto. Becareful with this clause. You may have to re-word it.

28.

DESCRIPTIVE HEADINGS. The descriptive headings used herein are for convenience of reference only and they are not intended to have any effect whatsoever in determining the rights or obligations of the Landlord or Tenant.

29.

CONSTRUCTION. The pronouns used herein shall include, where appropriate, either gender or both, singular and plural.

30.

NON-WAIVER. No indulgence, waiver, election or non-election by Landlord under this Agreement shall affect Tenant's duties and liabilities hereunder.

31.

MODIFICATION. The parties hereby agree that this document contains the entire agreement between the parties and this Agreement shall not be modified, changed, altered or amended in any way except through a written amendment signed by all of the parties hereto.

32.

NOTICE. Any notice required or permitted under this Lease or under state law shall be deemed sufficiently given or served if sent by United States certified mail, return receipt requested, addressed as follows:

If to Landlord to:

______________________________________________
[Landlord's Name]

______________________________________________
______________________________________________
[Landlord's Address]

If to Tenant to:

______________________________________________
[Tenant's Name]

______________________________________________
______________________________________________
[Tenant's Address]

Landlord and Tenant shall each have the right from time to time to change the place notice is to be given under this paragraph by written notice thereof to the other party.
33.

ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS; DISCLOSURES.
__________________________________________________ __________
__________________________________________________ __________
__________________________________________________ __________
__________________________________________________ __________
__________________________________________________ __________
__________________________________________________ __________
[Landlord should note above any disclosures about the premises that may be required under Federal or Pennsylvania law, such as known lead-based paint hazards in the Premises. The Landlord should also disclose any flood hazards.]


As to Landlord this ______ day of ________________________, 20_____.

LANDLORD:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: _________________________________ Date: ______________


As to Tenant, this ______ day of ________________________, 20_____.

TENANT ("Tenant"):


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________ Date: ______________

TENANT:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________ Date: ______________

TENANT:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________ Date: ______________

TENANT:


Sign: ___________________________________ Print: __________________________________ Date: ______________

Air,

I apologize for being late with my response. I forgot....

I highly recommend re-doing the agreement. If you wish, I can draw the lease up for you and you can modify however it's needed. I also recommend separating certain things such as Security Deposit, Rent agreement, pet agreement, etc. Makes it much easier to read. Try to make it less legalese wordings. Oftentimes, landlords doesn't know any better than tenants to make sense of the legalese wordings. It's more than okay to replace legalese wordings to english.

My other concern is that there's number of clauses missing from your agreement. Again, I can offer to re-do the agreement.

Debbie
12-08-2007, 05:28 PM
Here are some clauses. It's most of what I am providing. Due to time restraint, I haven't done the rental agreement yet. If you wish, I'll work on it for you.

Note that there's landlord's copy and tenant's copy on each one. It requires original signatures and initials. This will prevent tenant from manipulating the clauses via xerox.

The ones I provided will help cover your butt in many ways that you have yet to discover....

Debbie
12-08-2007, 05:29 PM
Clauses cont.

JSAUNDERS
12-08-2007, 07:30 PM
Lots of good info Debbie-

1 question though- I thought interest was to be payed on a security deposit.(hence the need for the tenant to fill out a W-9)
Joel

Debbie
12-08-2007, 07:55 PM
Lots of good info Debbie-

1 question though- I thought interest was to be payed on a security deposit.(hence the need for the tenant to fill out a W-9)
Joel

In my state (Illinois), there is no interest for 4 or less apartment units. In other words, if I have multiple apartment units such as sixplex, I would have to pay the interest. I have two duplexes and SFH so no interest required by law.

Check your state's Landlord/tenant law. You may not have to pay interest.

Jim FL
12-08-2007, 09:03 PM
Air,
I will tell you, my lease has been called 'a several page exercise in tenant control' by more than a few people.
The truth of the matter is, my lease came from experience, many years experience as a landlord, both from me, and others.
I reviewed TONS of leases, and found clauses I liked in each, and used those that my lawyer and I determined would be good for me, and legal etc.

I'm sure my way is different than some, and perhaps some landlords would disagree with my approach.
The beauty of this business though, is that everyone can do it their own way, and still make a nice profit.

I'll add a couple of my favorite clauses for your review at the end of this post.
Admittedly, some of them may have come from other folks leases.

anyway, here we go...............I'll comment in red.

Pennsylvania Residential Lease Agreement
I highly recommend you specify # of months Agreement. For example: Auto-Renewal Month To Month Agreement if it's M2M, Three Months Agreement, Six Months Agreement, etc. Make it specific and less confusing for the potential tenants. Not sure why? This part confused me. My lease is simply titled, "residential lease agreement", because I can use it for any term I want, except month to month, which it becomes with holdovers etc. I do have a seperate M2M agreement we use when needed, but I don't usually rent that way.


THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (hereinafter referred to as the "Agreement") the hereinafter comment is not needed) made and entered into this ____________ day of ____________________________, 20____, add the ending date here)by and between __________________________________________________ ___________________ (hereinafter referred to as "Landlord") and __________________________________________________ ___________________ (hereinafter referred to as "Tenant"). change from "tenant" to "Primary Tenant". Also, add "Co-Tenant" if there's more than one tenant)

W I T N E S S E T H :

WHEREAS, Landlord is the fee owner of certain real property being, lying and situated in _______________ County, Pennsylvania, such real property having a street address of __________________________________________________ ____________ (hereinafter referred to as the "Premises").
Eliminate everything starting with the "witnesseth..........to as the "Premises". Put the address/county under Agreement above. Forget the landlord is the fee owner comment. You'll be asking for trouble. Agreed here, no point calling yourself the owner, just use landlord/management as your title.

WHEREAS, Landlord desires to lease the Premises to Tenant upon the terms and conditions as contained herein; and

WHEREAS, Tenant desires to lease the Premises from Landlord on the terms and conditions as contained herein;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the covenants and obligations contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.

TERM. Landlord leases to Tenant and Tenant leases from Landlord the above described Premises together with any and all appurtenances thereto, for a term of __________________ [specify number of months or years], such term beginning on __________________, and ending at 11:59 PM on ______________________.
Eliminate 11:59pm. Put in a realistic timeframe such as 6:00 pm I agree, 11:59 pm is late, I use noon, this way I have daylight left to clear a house if needed.
2.

RENT. The total rent for the term hereof is the sum of __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($____________) payable on the ______ day of each month of the term, in equal installments of __________________________________________________ ____________ DOLLARS ($_____________), first and last installments to be paid upon the due execution of this Agreement, the second installment to be paid on _______________________. All such payments shall be made to Landlord at Landlord's address as set forth in the preamble to this Agreement on or before the due date and without demand. It better NOT be your home address!!!You want two payments? Why? I think you might want to address bad checks here, and state your fee and the policy you have for how they will be handled.
I personally use a discounted rent approach, if paid on or before the 1st, and after that, the discount is lost, and any additional fees, become additional rent.




Now, rather than keep writing in red, I'll just paste some clauses below here for your review, and to think about.
Naturally, have a local RE attny review your agreement in writing, before use.

My lawyer has actually adopted much of the language in my lease.

Here ya go:


APPLIANCES: All appliances of any kind including window air conditioners are specifically excluded from this Agreement. Such appliances remain as a convenience to Resident and Management assumes no responsibility for their operation. No part of the monthly rent is attributable to them. Any appliance on premises at the signing of this Agreement shall be returned by Resident upon move-out in the same condition as at the signing of this Agreement.


Another one I like to use, but will alter for those who use a cell phone as their only phone, as sometimes I have tenants who do this, is the following:

"Telephones: Resident shall obtain a home telephone and must supply Management with home and work telephone numbers immediately and agrees to immediately notify Management of any change of numbers during the term of this Agreement."

I'm fairly certain this one came from someone else's lease, and I liked it, so it's in mine.
I also did not see anything in yours about lead based paint.
Make sure you disclose what year the house was built, and if before 1978, make sure you give the proper docs out with your lease.
You can find pamphlets etc, for that from hud online.

I'd still make the renters responsible for changing furnace filters, etc.

RENTERS INSURANCE: Resident agrees to purchase comprehensive insurance, known as a Renter's Insurance Policy, against all perils, including but not limited to insurance on personal property or property of other persons from protection of loss due to or caused by theft, vandalism, bursting or breaking pipes, by or from fire, windstorm, hail, flooding, leakage, steam, snow or ice, by or from running water, backing up of drainage pipes, seepage, or the overflow of water or sewage on the Property. Said policy shall include liability coverage of $xxx,xxx minimum.


USE: The Property shall be used for Residential purposes only and shall be occupied by the undersigned adults and their ______ children as named in the original application to rent, only. Occupancy by guests staying over 14 days will be considered in violation of this agreement and additional monthly rent of $100.00 per person shall be due, chargeable from the beginning date of this Agreement, unless prior written consent is given by Management. The Property shall be used so as to comply with all state, county, and municipal laws and ordinances and shall be kept in a clean and orderly condition. Resident shall not use the Property or permit it to be used for any disorderly or unlawful purpose or in any manner so as to interfere with neighbors. Resident shall be responsible and fully liable for the conduct of his/her guests. Acts of guests in violation of this Agreement or Management's rules and regulations may be deemed by Management to be a breach by Resident.

Utilities: Resident is responsible for payment of all utilities, to include water, sewage, garbage collection, cable TV, electricity, gas, local telephone service; even if the bills remain in Management's name. Failing to pay the utility bills will be interpreted as a default and a violation of this Agreement. Any installation costs are the responsibility of Resident. Any wall jacks, telephone or cable installation shall remain with the Property.

ABANDONMENT: Anytime the Property is left unoccupied for more than seven (7) days while rent remains unpaid without notice to Management, Management may consider the Property abandoned. Management may, at its option, declare this Agreement forfeited and re-rent said premises without any liability whatsoever. Resident shall be obligated to pay based on the balance of the rental agreement or the early termination requirement, whichever is greater. If Resident removes or attempts to remove any personal property from the premises other than in the usual course of continuing occupancy, without having first paid Management all monies due, Management shall have the right, without notice, to obtain an injunction to stop removal as Management has an attachment interest in the personal belongings of the non-paying Resident. Management shall also have the right to remove, store or dispose of any of Resident's personal property remaining on the premises after the termination of this agreement. Any such personal property shall be considered Management's property, and title thereto shall vest in Management.


And that's it for now, this post is long enough.

Is your head spinning yet?

Good luck,
Jim FL

AIR
12-08-2007, 09:35 PM
Debbie,

Thank You for taking the time to respond to my post with such detail. I would absolutely love it if you reworked my lease agreement. Thank You so much!!!!

Debbie
12-08-2007, 11:13 PM
Debbie,

Thank You for taking the time to respond to my post with such detail. I would absolutely love it if you reworked my lease agreement. Thank You so much!!!!

I'll work on it sometime this weekend.

As a matter of fact, I noticed a couple of things that Jim has just provided. Methinks those couple of clauses will be added to my Rental Agreement. Thanx Jim!

JSAUNDERS
12-09-2007, 01:49 AM
Good stuff there Jim:praise:

Debbie
12-09-2007, 10:26 PM
Air,

Modify however you want as well as what your state law requires.

The rental agreement has many things that helps cover your rear end in ways you didn't know.

As time passes, always add more clauses as you come across. For example, a tenant kept parking on grass but there's no clause on the existing rental agreement.

There's too many reasons why I prefer Month to Month but that does not mean you have to do the same thing. In time, you'll come to understand the pros and cons of Lease versus M2M.

Don't forget--always make two copies prior to any signing and initials (see bottom of each pages)

BTW---I checked your state's landlord/tenant law. The website I checked does not appear to be up to date therefore, make sure to do your due diligence.

BTW---I noticed that I don't have the appliances clause so it's a good thing this thread was created so that I can add

Debbie
12-10-2007, 01:37 AM
Be very careful about refusing to accept cash since your refusal to accept lawful currency can void the debt.

A better option is to require them to meet you at your bank branch if they are paying with cash and you then immediately deposit it into an account. In fact, if you have a real good relationship with your bank you can provide special deposit slips where the tenant can put their identifying information on the deposit slip and make the deposit without you being there at all. Then, you can view the image of the deposit slip the next day, on-line and properly credit the payment. (We use this exclusively for anyone wanting to pay with cash. We do not accept cash in any of the management offices. If they arrive to pay cash, they are given the slip and sent to the bank. The time stamp on the deposit proves timely payment.They can even go to a web page and print off one of the deposit slips for use by the bank.)

I didn't know that! Time for me to make changes in that department. Thanx for the heads up, Tim!

lrning
12-11-2007, 03:53 PM
Jim and All,
RENTER'S INSURANCE
I have this paragraph in the lease agreement, but I am not sure anybody buying renter's insurance. By saying, the tenant agrees to buy renter's insurance...
We cannot force tenant buying. What is the Why for this clause? I just would like to know the reason and any side effects.

Debbie
12-11-2007, 04:37 PM
Jim and All,
RENTER'S INSURANCE
I have this paragraph in the lease agreement, but I am not sure anybody buying renter's insurance. By saying, the tenant agrees to buy renter's insurance...
We cannot force tenant buying. What is the Why for this clause? I just would like to know the reason and any side effects.

I require potential and current tenants to have renter's insurance. I also require tenants to have us as the beneficiary of tenant's insurance.

Landlord insurance only covers the the structural and liability. Landlord insurance does not cover accidents caused by tenants or tenant's guest. Does not cover burglary. Does not cover any of the tenant's belongings. There's many things that the Landlord insurance does not cover. Hence, the tenant's insurance because tenant's insurance covers many bases that the Landlord's insurance does not cover.

How do we know if the tenant cancels during tenancy? Their insurance will notify us because we, as landlords, are the beneficiary of tenant's insurance. Therefore, be SURE you required tenant to put you, as landlord, as the beneficiary.

Should the tenant cancel the tenant insurance and refuses to maintain tenant insurance, I give them 30 days' written notice to vacate without giving any reason. That is the beauty of having "Month To Month Rental Agreement" rather than being stuck with a "Lease".

haynesm
12-11-2007, 10:09 PM
Haven’t checked if state law allows me to “require” tenets to have renters insurance but I do have a form where I strongly recommend the renters get insurance. There are two choices for them and they have to initial beside the one they choose. 1 I/we elect to get and maintain renters insurance 2. I/we elect NOT to get renters insurance at this time. They must also sign and date the form of which I keep in their file. State laws are crazy so this at least shows they have been notified about the insurance. May not be as good as some of the other suggestions, but if your state will not allow you to “require” insurance at least you have enlightened them of it.

AIR
12-11-2007, 10:13 PM
Debbie,

Thanks so much for writing up the lease for me. Although I plan on doing a one-year lease. I noticed you only require 1st month rent and security deposit. I was under the impression most people charge 1st, last, and security deposit prior to them moving in.

Debbie
12-11-2007, 10:42 PM
Debbie,

Thanks so much for writing up the lease for me. Although I plan on doing a one-year lease. I noticed you only require 1st month rent and security deposit. I was under the impression most people charge 1st, last, and security deposit prior to them moving in.

In my location, that won't work. It doesn't mean that it won't work in your city. Check with the local landlord association and find out what potential tenants will be willing to pay (one or two months' worth of Security Deposit).

Debbie
12-11-2007, 10:53 PM
Air,

Do not be afraid to make changes or modify the rental agreement. The whole purpose for me to "re-work" your lease is to provide multiple clauses that will help cover your rear end as a landlord.

It is especially helpful to separate certain specific subjects such as "Security Deposit", "Pet Agreement", etc. They are more of 'requirements' for potential tenants to move in. The rental agreement is just that---rental agreement.

BTW, be sure that the potential tenant add you as the beneficiary of their tenant insurance. Make it a requirement plus a clause that failure to maintain the tenant insurance will terminate their lease.

AIR
12-14-2007, 03:46 PM
Just got off the phone with a women very interested in the house. Says she just sold her home and needs to find a place before Jan 1. Says she has identity theft on her credit and is having trouble finding a place. She asked if I would consider renting to her if she paid ONE YEARS RENT UPFRONT. I see red flags going up, but if she pays a years rent upfront what are my worries???

Debbie
12-14-2007, 05:17 PM
You are ABSOLUTELY CORRECT about the red flags!

To avoid giving her an impression that you're discriminating her (you'll never know about weird potential tenants), tell her that you'll be happy to interview her, check her credit and criminal background check along with her upfront application fee (cash only). But, it is against the company's policy to accept beyond one month advance rent money. Plus, what with the identity theft, you'll need to see her original SS# card.....

Chances are good that she'll pass your offer. If she accepts, look very hard on her application to find good reasons to reject her. Hey, if she "forgets" to fill out a portion of her application, well.....the application does have the rejection clause, ya know....

AIR
12-14-2007, 05:29 PM
Debbie,

Why wouldn't this be an incredible opportunity. If she gives me one years rent money upfront in form of cash. What do I have to loose?

Debbie
12-14-2007, 05:37 PM
Debbie,

Why wouldn't this be an incredible opportunity. If she gives me one years rent money upfront in form of cash. What do I have to loose?

Incredible? Whoa! Hold your horses!

Let's see.....most drug dealers (or dog fighters) give one year's advanced cash to slumlords who are willing to look the other way. Or, a bankrupted tenant or credit poor tenant willing to pay a year's worth, knowing their credit check would not pass. Or, tenant who has no checking account (banks won't take risk due to poor credit). Too numerous to list.

There has been tenants who destroyed or just leave the property in a 2 months' time and demanded to have rest of their rent money back.

Not to mention that, in some states, it is against the law to accept such "incredible opportunity".

Be careful.....be VERY careful....

Debbie
12-14-2007, 05:44 PM
AIR,

I have couple of questions for you.....

1) Have you been a little talkative to potential tenants, mentioning that it's your first rental property?

2) Are you allowing your actions known to potential tenants that you're feeling uncertain as a landlord?

If yes to any of the above, STOP!!!! You are giving them perfect opportunity to take advantage of you.

Feel free to practice on your friends. Better yet, practice with an experienced fellow landlord. Too bad we live in different states, otherwise, I'd be there to help you out.

AIR
12-14-2007, 05:52 PM
Debbie,

I have not mentioned this is my first property. I feel as though I am giving the impression I work for a company who rents residential real estate. I think people feel comfortable with me since I am young and every person that I have interviewed has been almost double my age. I do realize I need to have the control. This is my first time so I really don't know what the hell Im doing.

I am going to meet with her tonight at 7pm. What questions should I ask besides the basic... why do you want to rent instead of buying... why this house....what your current situation is...why are you moving...how long do you plan to live here...

If she does give me the full year rent can we sign a contract stating even if she leaves in a months time the money is non-refundable. Also how will my lease differ if she works out and pays the full years rent upfront.

Debbie
12-14-2007, 06:10 PM
Debbie,

I have not mentioned this is my first property. I feel as though I am giving the impression I work for a company who rents residential real estate. I think people feel comfortable with me since I am young and every person that I have interviewed has been almost double my age. That's great! I do realize I need to have the control. This is my first time so I really don't know what the hell Im doing. Don't worry, each of us landlords didn't know what the heck we were doing either :eek:

I am going to meet with her tonight at 7pm. What questions should I ask besides the basic... why do you want to rent instead of buying... why this house....what your current situation is...why are you moving...how long do you plan to live here...
How many people will be living here? Anyone 18 years old and older will have to fill out the rental applications plus credit, criminal and eviction checks fees to be paid in cash.
What kind of pet or pets do you have? So, you do have pet? I'm sorry, I do not allow pets. (this should be on during phone screening).

The credit, criminal and eviction checks will cost you $## cash, upfront before I run them. Is there anything you'd want me to know?
Just so you know, this property will be videotaped within 24 hours of moving in. At the time of termination, you have the right to request for a copy of the dvd.

If she does give me the full year rent can we sign a contract stating even if she leaves in a months time the money is non-refundable. Also how will my lease differ if she works out and pays the full years rent upfront.

You can put it in the lease. I just don't know of any judges who will allow you to keep the rent money. Maybe a month's worth. Maybe two month's worth but not beyond. You see, Air, judges are generally more lenient on tenants than they are with landlords. Tenants generally are allowed to break leases. Landlords are not allowed to break leases. So, when it comes to refunding up to a year's worth of rent money, you have to PROVE to the judge that you tried your best to re-rent the property in order to keep the rent money.

One of the reasons why I do M2M.....

AIR
12-14-2007, 06:26 PM
so on a standard one year lease, if the tenant decides to leave they can just get up and leave and are not legally responsible to pay the rest of the rent?

Debbie
12-14-2007, 06:34 PM
so on a standard one year lease, if the tenant decides to leave they can just get up and leave and are not legally responsible to pay the rest of the rent?
Essentially, yes.

Tenants always find a reason or two why they can't stay.

Here's a tip for you, Air, on one year lease. Add the "Early Termination" clause. If the tenant must break the lease, they can be released with a condition of one or two months' rent paid in advance (before they leave, not at the signing of the lease). It is generally accepted by judges in favor of landlords' early termination clause.

BRITT REED
12-15-2007, 06:53 AM
thank you

AIR
12-15-2007, 03:25 PM
I met with her last night. Very nice women almost a little overly nice if you know what I mean. There must be something she is trying to get by me because everything seems to good to be true. She just sold her house...reason condo fee was getting too high??? The profit she made on the condo is how she will pay the one year rent upfront. She is employed and provided a phone number to verify it. She says her credit score is terrible because of identity theft and was unable to get financing to buy another home and is also having trouble finding a rental. She asked if I would consider RTO down the road. She would be living with just her son who is four and has autism. She filled out an application and gave me the 25 dollar fee. I will do the background checks but I really feel like Im missing something. I really don't get it... Open house in a 1/2 hour lets see who else we meet today...

Debbie
12-15-2007, 04:21 PM
I met with her last night. Very nice women almost a little overly nice if you know what I mean. There must be something she is trying to get by me because everything seems to good to be true. She just sold her house...reason condo fee was getting too high??? That is possible, it really depends on how high. The profit she made on the condo is how she will pay the one year rent upfront. Still not a good idea to accept multiple rents at a time. There is a reason why she's trying to get you to accept. We just don't know what it is yet.She is employed Very important question: how long?and provided a phone number to verify it. Do your due diligent. Verify via phone number lookup, cross reference, etc.She says her credit score is terrible because of identity theft and was unable to get financing to buy another home and is also having trouble finding a rental. There's a reason why she has been denied. If there really is a identity theft, it will show up on the credit reports. Plus, you'd think that she'd provide additional evidence(s) such as court papers involving identity theft rectifications. She asked if I would consider RTO down the road. She would be living with just her son who is four and has autism. She filled out an application and gave me the 25 dollar fee. I will do the background checks but I really feel like Im missing something. I really don't get it... Once you get the reports and you're uncertain, let us know and we'll help you out before you ultimately decide on whether to accept or decline her. Open house in a 1/2 hour lets see who else we meet today...

That'd be fun! Good luck with the open house.

AIR
12-19-2007, 01:28 AM
I am verifying her employment. Running credit checks. Got the criminal check back with nothing. As long as everything else checks out I think I am going to have her move in. I was wondering if there were any different rules for evictions if a disabled child lives in the unit???

Debbie
12-19-2007, 03:59 AM
I am verifying her employment. Running credit checks. Got the criminal check back with nothing. As long as everything else checks out I think I am going to have her move in. I was wondering if there were any different rules for evictions if a disabled child lives in the unit???

Why would you think the potential eviction be different for a disabled child? You have no responsibility to that child or any abled/disabled children, unless you are the child's guardian or parent. As long as you have justified reason to evict and follow the law and court order, you'll have nothing to worry about.

Debbie
12-19-2007, 04:01 AM
BTW, check on your potential tenant's condo. Verify that the condo is actually sold and closed. Make sure that it is not in foreclosure.

AIR
01-15-2008, 01:18 AM
So I am kind of confused on which lease to use... I still don't have a lease of my own, the one you wrote up was great Debbie but I am looking for a standard one year lease rather then m2m. I was going to just use the one my lawyer has, but I got thinking... it might not have everything I want included in it. What should I do??? I don't feel like I have enough experience to pick and choose which lease to use... I have been searching all over the internet for a "Plain Language PA Residential Lease with no luck" . I also have a lease that I only have one copy of and would have to re type it completely...

Debbie
01-15-2008, 03:27 AM
So I am kind of confused on which lease to use... I still don't have a lease of my own, the one you wrote up was great Debbie but I am looking for a standard one year lease rather then m2m. I was going to just use the one my lawyer has, but I got thinking... it might not have everything I want included in it. What should I do??? I don't feel like I have enough experience to pick and choose which lease to use... I have been searching all over the internet for a "Plain Language PA Residential Lease with no luck" . I also have a lease that I only have one copy of and would have to re type it completely...

Air,

You can change the rental agreement from M2M to Lease. Make necessary changes in the clauses. You can pick and choose clauses from whatever/wherever you found. In other words, if you have samples of 10 leases/rental agreements, pick and choose any clauses that fits you. Just make sure that you follow the state/city laws.

AIR
02-12-2008, 07:07 PM
Ok, so I have tenants lined up. My attorney sent me over a copy of the Lease he recommended I use. Of course it is missing a few things I would like. ie. lease goes to M2M after 1 year. Appliance clause, it is in acrobat format so I am not able to edit. what the heck should i do.... start from scratch and make my own lease???

PMCS
02-12-2008, 07:20 PM
Hmmm, I think Open Office (the open source answer to MS Office) allows you to open and modify PDF files.

Or maybe you could add your items as attached amendments.

haynesm
02-12-2008, 09:03 PM
Air
It’s a work around solution and leaves some formatting problems you have to fix but it gets the info into word.

Open PDF file
On tool bar click onto the I beam icon(beside the hand and just left of the word select)
Control A (this highlights all the text)
Control C (this copies text to clipboard)
Open a word document ( a new blank one)
Control V (paste PDF info into word.) Remember you may have formatting problems

You might just do the above for small portions of text at a time. Might keep you from getting confused with the layout and formatting.

Not sure this will help but you can give it try.

If you are paying the lawyer for the lease you might request him send it to you in a word format to start with.

Debbie
02-12-2008, 11:20 PM
Ok, so I have tenants lined up. My attorney sent me over a copy of the Lease he recommended I use. Of course it is missing a few things I would like. ie. lease goes to M2M after 1 year. Appliance clause, it is in acrobat format so I am not able to edit. what the heck should i do.... start from scratch and make my own lease???

Note to AIR---always, ALWAYS have the lease ready BEFORE you have potential tenants. Potential tenants normally are not willing to wait on landlord to get his lease finalized.

haynesm
12-07-2008, 02:25 PM
Air
Its been a while. can you give us any update on your lady wanting to pay one year rent and on your contract.