LEASE-SIGNING CHECKLIST

                                                        Lease-Signing Checklist
Before you commit to renting a housing unit, you should clearly understand the responsibilities involved with each of the following terms.  They should explicitly be identified in your lease.  Compare any lease you are considering signing with applicable tenant-landlord laws.  As you are reading through your lease, make sure the following items are addressed within the document.  If some things are not addressed, be sure to ask the landlord about his or her policy regarding those items.  You may also request to have items added to the lease.  For questions about leases and legal issues involved in tenant-landlord relationships, contact at Landlord Tenant Resource Center (202) 508-1710. Check website: www.dccourts/civil/landlord_tenant.jsp.

RENT
____Amount
____Due Date
____Penalty for late payment
____Reduction for advance payment
____Price changes
____Conditions for price changes

SECURITY/DAMAGE PAYMENTS
____Amount
____Conditions for return
____Date for return

TERMINATION
____Ability to sublet
____Conditions for sublet
____Conditions for terminating lease

PARKING
____Location
____Limitations

ADDITIONAL COSTS
____Utilities (i.e., gas, electric, water, internet)
____Pet-related charges/deposit
____Overnight or weekend guests
____Parking
____Furnishings
____Cleaning
____Other

RESTRICTIONS
____Smoking
____Noise
____Storage
____Pets
____Alterations (i.e., picture hanging, painting)
____Conduct
____Parties

TIME OF OCCUPANCY
____Dates (be exact)
____Requirements for moving notification   or renewal
____Number of occupants (min and max)

DAMAGES
____Responsibility for damages
____Assessment of damages
____Responsibility for repairs

CHANGES IN AGREEMENT
____Conditions for changes in agreement
____Process for changing agreement

LAUNDRY FACILITIES
____Provision of facilities
____Ability for tenant to install machines
____Other limitations

INSPECTION
____When
____By whom (i.e., landlord, add’l inspectors)
____Use of rental inventory
____Letter of compliance
____Notification of inspection

CLEANING
____Responsibility
____Frequency
____Equipment provided

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
____Planned improvements/special work

OWNER
____Name and address of property owner
____Name and address of property manager