LANDLORDS NEED A LEASE
If you’re renting out your property to a tenant, you’ll want to make sure you have a written Lease Agreement signed before the tenant moves into the property. By signing a Lease Agreement, both the landlord and tenant are essentially putting the terms of their agreement to rent the property in writing.
Although there’s no standard Lease Agreement, there are still some basic requirements that should be included in every lease. These include: the names of the landlord and tenant; the address of the property; the amount of rent; when the rent is due, who it should be paid to, and where it’s to be paid; the amount and purpose of the security deposit; the amount of any late fee; whether pets are allowed; who’s responsible for which utilities; and information about lead based paint on the property.
In Georgia, there’s also additional requirements that must be included in the lease. For example, In Georgia the Lease Agreement must also include, the location of the bank where the security deposit is being held and whether or not the property has been flooded or has a propensity for flooding.
TENANTS SHOULD REVIEW THE AGREEMENT BEFORE SIGNING
Oftentimes, tenants do not discuss and negotiate their lease with their landlord (or many times do not even read it). It is a common misperception that the tenant must sign the lease the landlord presents to them. Leases drafted by the landlord are almost exclusively in one-sided in favor of the landlord thus opening the tenant to personal liability, costly repairs and maintenance, and costly litigation.
WHY CONSULT WITH US
The attorneys at Pasley, Nuce, Mallory & Davis, LLC, have the knowledge and experience to draft contracts and lease agreements specific to a landlord’s needs, review and explain agreements for tenants, and negotiate on behalf of our clients. Our attorneys understand the language and practical and legal ramifications entering into a lease and know how to protect you and your business so you are afforded the best opportunity for success. Contact us at any of our 4 office locations for a free consultation, and see how our knowledge and experience can work for you.
