The Landlord’s Edge
A lease is your single most important document as a landlord. The clauses new landlords forget are exactly the ones that matter when something goes wrong.
Don’t skip these clauses
- Late fees and grace period: spelled out clearly and within legal limits.
- Maintenance responsibilities: who handles what, and how to report issues.
- Guests and occupancy limits: to prevent unauthorized long-term residents.
- Entry notice: your right to inspect, with proper notice.
Keep it enforceable
A clause that violates local law is worse than no clause: it can void parts of your lease. When in doubt, have a local attorney review your template once; it pays for itself.
Heads up
Security-deposit limits, return deadlines, and required disclosures are state-specific. Get these exactly right.