Lease Agreement Review Checklist

Read through this before signing any lease. 1 in 4 leases contains a clause that is unenforceable in that state — but you still need to know it's there before you sign.

Red Flags — Check Each One

Broad Entry RightsLandlord can enter "at any time" or "with reasonable notice" without defining what that means. Most states require 24–48 hours written notice except in emergencies. If the lease doesn't specify, add language defining it.
Automatic Renewal TrapLease auto-renews for 12 months unless you give 60–90 days notice. The window is designed to be easy to miss. Set a calendar reminder immediately — and ask for the renewal notice window to be shortened.
Tenant Responsible for Major RepairsYou're responsible for HVAC, appliances, or structural issues that are legally the landlord's obligation in most states. These clauses shift hundreds in annual costs to you — and may be unenforceable anyway.
Excessive or Unexplained FeesLate fees over 5–10% of rent are illegal in many states. "Administrative fees," "processing fees," and "renewal fees" with no explanation are padding. Ask for itemization and compare to your state's legal cap.
Vague Security Deposit TermsNo defined timeline for return, no itemization requirement, or language like "deposit forfeited for any damage" with no definition of normal wear and tear. These clauses enable illegal deposit withholding.

Dispute Steps — In Order

1
Know your state's tenant rightsEvery state has a landlord-tenant law setting minimums for entry notice, deposit limits, habitability, and fee caps. Search "[your state] landlord tenant law" — these override anything the lease says.
2
Document the unit before move-inPhotograph and video every room, every surface, every appliance — before you bring your belongings in. Date-stamp everything. This is your evidence against damage claims at move-out. Email the photos to yourself for a date-stamped record.
3
Get verbal promises in writingIf the landlord said the broken dishwasher will be fixed before you move in, it needs to be in the lease or a signed addendum. Verbal promises are unenforceable and easy to deny later.
4
Challenge illegal clauses before signingIdentify each clause that violates state law. Put your requests in writing: "Per [state] landlord-tenant code, Section X, I'm requesting this clause be removed." Document the landlord's response.
5
Track all maintenance requests in writingSend all repair requests by email or text — never verbal only. If a habitability issue goes unaddressed for 14+ days after written notice, most states allow rent withholding or lease termination.

Move-In Documentation Checklist

Complete this before moving anything in

Photograph every wall in every room
Photograph all appliances (open refrigerator, oven, dishwasher)
Photograph all flooring — especially carpets, tile grout, hardwood scratches
Photograph all windows and window locks
Photograph bathroom fixtures (toilet, tub, sink condition)
Test all light switches and outlets
Test all door locks and deadbolts
Note any pre-existing damage in writing and send to landlord via email
Request written acknowledgment of pre-existing conditions
Save all photos to cloud storage with automatic date stamps

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