Leasing Considerations

A lease agreement is a critical document that sets the terms and conditions of your tenancy. Knowing what to consider in a lease and what to watch out for is essential for a successful rental experience. The tips below from Off-Campus Student Life provide insights into the key elements you should pay attention to and what to steer clear of in a lease.

If you have questions or concerns about signing a lease, tenant-landlord issues, or roommate legal issues, contact Carolina Student Legal Services for free advice, or call (919) 962-1303, or email csls@unc.edu for more information. CSLS is located in Suite 3512 of the Student Union.

aerial view of unc campus

What to Look For in a Lease

  • Specific dates of occupancy (and contingencies if you are moving into a new property or one undergoing significant renovation and the property may not be ready by the stated move-in date)
  • Amount of monthly rent and the date it is due each month
  • Amount of security deposit
  • Responsibility for payment of utilities
  • Responsibility for general maintenance and repairs
  • Sublease: If you sign a 12 month lease but think you may need the dwelling for a shorter period of time, make certain the lease allows you to sublease (rent your dwelling to another person who will assume the remainder of the lease)
  • Whether or not pets are allowed and associated fees with the allowance of pets
  • Automatic renewal clause
  • Type of lease: joint or individual

What to Avoid in a Lease

  • At management's discretion, the tenant may be asked to leave regardless whether or not the lease has been violated
  • Tenant waives all defects in the unit
  • Landlord shall not be responsible for injury to person, including tenant and guests, as a result of any cause.
  • Tenant is responsible for all repairs to premises
  • Landlord may enter dwelling without notice
  • Landlord has a lien (a legal claim on the property of another as security for the payment of a debt) on all personal property of tenant

Always:

  • Inspect your new residence for damages and document them before you move in (the Police Department will come to your home and perform a free safety inspection, and the town can send over a Code Enforcement Officer)
  • Establish and sign a new lease when moving in; don't "pass down" leases
  • Purchase Renter's Insurance