-Common issues like inappropriate rent increase by the landlord, unclear responsibilities on maintenance, late rent payment by tenants and nuisance in the premises are amongst the causes of disagreements between landlords and their tenants.
So, to help solve such problems, landlords should ensure they create, understand, and together with tenants, sign rental agreement form. Here is a guide to the format a perfect rent agreement form should have.
All Tenants’ Names
The agreement should contain blank lines for each tenant’s name. It will ensure that each person named on the agreement is aware of and agrees to its contents.
Each tenant should also sign and date the document. It creates a record of their agreement and protects them in case of any disputes.
Date of Agreement
The date of the agreement should be indicated and the date that any tenant signed it. It will help you track when each person agreed to the terms and when they filed their copy.
Occupancy Restrictions
There are occupancy restrictions that landlords must adhere to when renting out their properties. The limits vary from state to state, so landlords need to be aware of the specific regulations in their area. Generally, occupancy limits are based on the number of bedrooms in a dwelling.
For instance, landlords can rent out single-family homes or condos with up to four bedrooms for no more than two occupants in some states. Under this arrangement, additional occupants are usually allowed if the landlord’s permission is in writing under a rental agreement.
Rent
Rent is often a fixed amount paid by a tenant to a landlord in return for the right to occupy and use the property leased. It is usually monthly, meaning that it’s paid regularly.
The rent agreement is an important document that spells out the lease terms between the landlord and tenant. It includes the amount of rent, when it’s due and any other conditions or restrictions that may apply.
Repairs and Maintenance
The agreement should state who is responsible for repairs and maintenance. Generally, the tenant is responsible for minor repairs and the landlord is responsible for major repairs. However, this can vary depending on the state or country you live in.
The agreement should also state the time a notice must be given before any repair work is done to avoid inconveniences.
If the tenant does the damage, the landlord has the right to deduct the repair cost from the tenant’s security deposit. If the landlord does the damage, the tenant can repair it and remove the price from the next rent payment.
It should be mentioned in the agreement that the tenant shall maintain the property in good condition and shall repair any damages caused.
Rental Property Entry
The rental property entry should state in the agreement that the landlord has the right to lease or rent the space for the stipulated period stated in the contract. During the specified period, the tenant is protected against eviction except for reasons stated in the agreement. The landlord is also allowed access to the property during reasonable hours for a regular property check. Unless a specific restriction is mentioned in the contract.
The rental agreement is a document that the landlord and tenant should review carefully before signing. Even still, coming up with a rental agreement can sometimes prove a challenging task. Therefore, download our free rental agreement form to help improve your relationship with your tenants.
