As a renter, how often have you taken the time to thoroughly read through a lease before you sign it? If you’re among the greater percentage, you probably skim the text for dollar signs to gain an understanding of potential gains and losses, but otherwise assume you understand the parameters it sets forth.
Yet, in so doing, you’re legally binding yourself to an agreement you may not fully understand. And, this is the situation many renters find themselves, especially when it comes to lease violations they didn’t even know existed. Following are 7 examples.
- You bought a new car or borrowed your friend’s car while yours is in the shop. Most leases require tenants to register all vehicles with the leasing office. Neglecting to do so is a violation and can result in a fine or towing. Yes, even when just borrowing.
- You support your favorite presidential candidate with a campaign sign in your window. While political slants aren’t against the rule, going against property uniformity may be. Look closely and you may find that your property has a rule against placing anything in or around the unit that keeps it from looking like others.
- You decide to grill steaks out on the patio. If using an electric grill, you’re probably okay; but open flames are a big no-no near building or overhangs and can result in fines or worse.
- You leave town for a couple of weeks for a much-needed vacation. Indignant that your property may have a rule against getting away? Consider it a way to protect yourself and your belongings. Landlords will most often want to know if you’ll be away for extended periods of time. They will be more alert to your unit, watching it while you’re way. You may have to sign an agreement that he/she can enter while you’re away in the event of an emergency.
- You let a friend spend the night…with her new kitten. If your property has a “no pets” policy, it covers even one-night stays. You could wind up facing a hefty fine even with the best of intentions.
- You let a friend spend the night…for the whole month while she’s searching for her own apartment. You must be the nicest person on Earth. Yet, your lease likely specifies how long a guest is considered such before they are considered a needs-to-be-paying tenant (which causes rent to spike).
- You find a great bundle and sign up for satellite TV. Attaching a dish to the owner’s property is usually not allowed, and it’s not the satellite company’s job to know it. Imagine having to pay to have the dish removed, then being stuck in a contract for satellite TV you can’t even watch. Check your lease.
Class A Management has a number of properties throughout Texas and the surrounding areas. Call 817-295-5959 for more information or send an email to .