Leases
Your lease is a contract.
Lease rules are set by states and cities. These examples come from the New York Attorney General’s tenant guide, so check your own state’s rules before you rely on any of them.
Examples from New York
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A lease is a contract (New York)
New York's Attorney General explains that a lease is a contract setting the terms of a rental, and it can't be changed while it's in effect unless both sides agree. You have to sign a lease to be bound by it.
Source: New York Attorney General: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide
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What a lease should spell out
New York's Attorney General says a lease should at least identify the unit, both parties' names and addresses, the rent amount and due dates, how long the rental lasts, the conditions of occupancy, and each side's rights and obligations. Both sides should initial any changes.
Source: New York Attorney General: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide
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New York leases must be readable
In New York, leases must use common, everyday words, be clear and coherent, have captioned sections, and use print large enough to read easily.
Source: New York Attorney General: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide
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Lease terms New York doesn't allow
New York doesn't allow lease terms that excuse a landlord from liability for injuries or property damage caused by the landlord's negligence, waive your right to a jury trial in personal injury or property damage cases, or waive the warranty of habitability.
Source: New York Attorney General: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide
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Late fee cap (New York)
In New York, rent only counts as late if it's received more than five days after it's due, and the late fee can't be more than $50 or 5% of monthly rent, whichever is less.
Source: New York Attorney General: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide
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Security deposit limit (New York)
New York caps a security deposit at one month's rent, so a landlord can't ask for last month's rent and a security deposit on top of it.
Source: New York Attorney General: Residential Tenants' Rights Guide
Find your own state’s rules
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LawHelp.org
Legal information, help guides, and a state-by-state finder for nonprofit legal aid, run by Pro Bono Net with legal aid partners.
Cost: LSC says you can find free legal forms there.
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New York Attorney General Residential Tenants' Rights Guide
A renter's guide to New York leases, rent, repairs, security deposits, and lease terms that aren't allowed, with printable versions in many languages.
Cost: Public government resource.
Open New York Attorney General Residential Tenants' Rights Guide