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What is a lease & why it is important?
A
lease is a written contract between the owner of the property
(landlord) and the person renting the property (tenant). The terms of a
lease are usually fixed for one year, although many landlords offer
flexible lease terms such as a three, six, or nine-month lease.
When
you select your housing, negotiate the rental agreement with awareness
of your responsibilities to the landlord and the landlord's
responsibilities to you.
Make rental agreements in writing to
avoid misunderstanding of terms and conditions. Most landlords will
have lease or rental forms. Verbal agreements are binding and legally
enforceable; however, it is safer to have a written agreement. DC
rental agreements or leases made by persons under 18 must be signed by
a parent or guardian. Rental agreements or leases made by persons under
18 can be and generally are binding in Maryland and Virginia, but landlords may require a parent's or other co-signature.
Contents of a Lease
Information contained within a lease is legally
binding. Review your rental agreement carefully to insure that all of
your rights are protected as an occupant. You should also clearly
understand the expectations of your landlord. Violation of a rental
agreement could result in fines, a court appearance, or eviction. Your
lease should contain the following information:
- names and addresses of landlord and tenant(s)
- description of the property being rented
- dates of your rental
- amount and due date of rent payment
- when rent can be increased
- any penalty for late payment of rent
- deposit amount
- what the deposit covers
- terms for reimbursement of deposit
- when and if the lease can be renewed
- when and how lease can be ended
- responsibility for repairs and maintenance
- responsibility for payment of utilities
1.Appliances
- are they in good condition and complete, i.e., broiler pans, ice
trays, and the like? Does the refrigerator have ample freezer space? Is
It clean? Are the oven and range gas or electric?
2.Adequate
ventilation, lighting fixtures, electric, smoke detectors, and fire
exit routes. Do the light fixtures work? Will you need additional
lighting in the apartment? Are there sufficient phone jacks? Does the
apartment have a fire escape? Where is the nearest emergency exit?
3.Plumbing
and drainage mechanisms in the bathroom and kitchen. Is there ample
water pressure in both the kitchen and the bathroom? Who pays for the
water? Is there a shower as well as a tub in the bathroom? Do all the
fixtures work in the bathroom?
4.If the apartment is furnished,
what is the condition of the furniture? Is it adequate for your needs?
If it is unfurnished, is the apartment large enough for your furniture?
5.Do
windows and doors open, close, and lock properly? Are screens provided?
Does the building have a security system? Does the apartment have an
adequate lock? Is there a double bolt?
6.Check the certificate of occupancy if more than six unrelated persons are renting rooms in a group house or an entire house.
7.
Ask about parking. Is there a lot? A garage? Is it free? If not, how
much is it? On-street parking? Are special Permits/stickers required?
Is there a rack for bicycles? Motorcycles?
8.What are the
policies regarding liability for personal property, theft and fire? Is
personal insurance difficult to obtain in this particular area?
9.What
storage facilities are available? What restrictions are there as to
what may be stored? Is there storage space specifically allocated to
your apartment? Is there sufficient closet space in the apartment?
10. What are the quiet hour stipulations?
11. If renting a house, will the realtor make minor repairs and emergency calls without a charge?
12.
If renting a room within a house, what areas may the student use and
when? What are the kitchen restrictions? What are the guest policies?
Is there ample study room for all occupants?
13.Are there laundry facilities in the building? If not, is there one nearby?
Use Common Sense
Experience
has shown that the campus area is considerably safer than other areas
of the city. However, all members of the University community should
take reasonable precautions. It is only common sense to avoid deserted
areas. In so far as is possible, plan to travel in groups and use
facilities, such as washrooms, where there are other people. Do not
leave personal belongings, particularly purses and wallets, unattended.
Be aware that the campus is open, and protect yourself and others by
reporting any event to University Police, (202) 994-6110, that you
think is suspicious. Being aware and thinking ahead make the chance
less likely that you will be the victim of a theft or of a violent
crime such as rape or mugging.
When investigating a prospective
home look for security in and near the building, (i.e., locked doors,
access of laundry room to outsiders, well lit hallways and laundry
rooms, grilled windows on ground floors essential for basement
apartments, and well lit streets near the building). Metropolitan DC,
as most any city, contains "pockets of high crime" and" relatively safe
areas". Common sense should be the rule for residents in either area.
Visit the location you are considering at night to see if you feel
reasonably secure.
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