What Needs to be Covered in Your Lease Agreement

If you are renting a living space from someone, or renting to someone, you need to lay out a solid foundation of expectations from all parties involved. In other words, you need a strong, comprehensive lease agreement. By definition, a lease agreement is a legally binding contract that outlines the terms and conditions under which one party, the tenant or lessee, agrees to rent property owned by another party, the landlord or lessor. A lease agreement covers the rental amount, usually per month, when the rent is due, and when the lease expires. But those are just the basics. What else should be covered in a lease agreement?

Tenant Information

Besides rental and payment information, you want to make sure that all tenant information is outlined. This includes the names of each adult that will be living on the property, along with their contact information. This information is vital for property managers. If one or multiple lessees violate any of the terms laid out in the lease agreement, the property manager or management team will be able to handle things accordingly. Additionally, this allows for property managers to legally seek rent from tenants who skip or refuse to pay.

Take a moment to be careful and considerate about the federal fair housing laws, as well as those specific to your state. View this blog to read about local landlord-tenant laws in Georgia, especially if you work in property management in the Augusta or Columbia County areas.

Information About Fees

Next, you will want to be sure that any and all fee information is outlined in your lease agreement. How much is the security deposit? What can it be used for, or not used for? When and how will the deposit be returned, if applicable? Remember, this deposit is a safeguard for property managers and the property owner in case of any extensive damage.

In addition to your safety deposit, be sure to specifically outline any other applicable fees. These may include pet fees, cleaning fees, parking fees, etc. Having this information outlined up front prevents future feelings of miscommunication or shock with tenants.

Maintenance and Repairs

One of the most important parts of your lease agreement is the part that covers the responsibilities surrounding maintenance and repairs. Many tenants may want to try to “DIY” repairs or call in their favorite service provider. However, it is up to the lessor to decide if they want to have their own team handle maintenance and repairs or to leave that to the lessee.

This is where a property management team really comes in handy. Using a property management team like Sherman and Hemstreet near the Evans, Ga area ensures that you stay on top of maintenance before issues arise. Our property managers also go through extensive training and education to learn and implement the latest technological features for our tenants. Through the use of technology and emergency maintenance systems, we can ensure a smooth, engaging rental experience.

Pets

Previously, we mentioned adding information on pet fees. Many landlords go back and forth on whether they want to allow pets at all, and rightfully so. You need to be clear on what type of pets you will and will not allow on your property. Remember to list any cleanliness concerns here as well (requiring tenants to keep the yard free of animal waste, for example).It is common to limit pets in lease agreements by size or number of pets.

Restrictions, Evictions, and More

Finally, you will want to outline anything that is important to you and your property in order to protect your investment. Many rental agreements place restrictions on excessive noise, drugs, smoking, and more. Are tenants on your property allowed to paint over the walls or run a home-based business from your property? If not, make it explicitly clear!

If any issues arise, you want to be sure that you are prepared. You also want to be sure that you do not fall behind on your other duties! This is another reason why using a property management company can be beneficial. If you need assistance with evictions, inspections, dispute resolution, or anything of the sort, contact Sherman and Hemstreet. Handle your rental property management issues in Columbia County legally and efficiently!

Time to Sign

Including information about your tenants, fees, maintenance, pets, restrictions, and evictions, is just the beginning. There is plenty more that you will want to cover in your lease agreements, and don’t forget to seal everything off with signatures from everyone involved!

This can sound overwhelming. With all of the other administrative and on-site property management tasks, it can be. After all, you’re just one person! Contact our highly renowned property management team in Evans, Georgia to take the stress of these tedious tasks off of your shoulders. That way, you can focus on what matters the most; making connections that last and investments that pay off! Not in Evans? We provide property management services in other areas of Columbia County, Richmond County, and the surrounding CSRA!