Northeastern Pennsylvania Leasing Agreements Attorneys

Before signing any leasing agreements, you should have a real estate lawyer examine the contract. We can point out any problems and help negotiate on your behalf. If this is the first time you’re leasing a property, you may have questions about what you will need, what information a lease typically includes, and more.

What Information Is Included in a Lease Agreement?

Your lease agreement more or less defines the rights and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant(s). First, a lease agreement serves as a legally binding contract that the court can enforce. Second, it’s full of business-related matters for the landlord, such as how long the lease is in use, the amount of rent due and when, etc.

Other factors included in a lease agreement are:

• Names of all tenants
• Contact information
• Description of the property
• The expiration date of the lease
• The cost of the lease. This includes first month and last month payments, acceptable payment methods, late fees, and charges if a check bounces.
• How landlords hold security deposits and for how long
• Maintenance policies
• Landlord’s right to enter the property

While these are the major terms of a lease agreement, landlords can also define limitations on:

• Smoking
• Pets
• Termination of the lease agreement if caught doing illegal activities.

Why Would a Lease Not Be Legally Binding?

While most details are what make a lease legally binding, some terms are unenforceable. This can change the parameters of its acceptance. Such terms include the following:

• The landlord can repossess the property if the rent is behind. Eviction can’t happen on a whim. A landlord must follow an eviction procedure.
• The landlord can enter the property whenever. While the landlord can establish a right to enter the property, that person cannot enter at any time, without notice. As a tenant, you have a right to a reasonable amount of privacy.
• The tenant will pay for all rental damages without establishing fault. A landlord cannot charge a tenant for damages he or she did not cause, i.e., storm damage.

While you may be pressured to jump into a lease agreement, it’s best to have a trusted real estate lawyer go over it first. We can negotiate the terms of the lease and ensure all aspects are legally sound.

Why Do I Need a Real Estate Lawyer for a Lease Agreement?

Like any contractual agreement, there can be wording that you may not understand. Also, there’s likely to be fine print, which may not seem important, but could cost you later on. We know landlord-tenant disputes happen, but when it comes down to a disparity in your lease, it’s best to have a trusted real estate attorney by your side.

Why Our Scranton Real Estate Lawyers for Leasing Agreements and other Real Estate Issues?

If you live in Northeastern Pennsylvania and are in the middle of a real estate transaction, now is the time to have a Scranton real estate lawyer on your side. Put your trust in a law firm that puts your needs first. Contact Mazzoni Valvano Szewczyk & Karam for a free consultation today. Serving clients in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Wayne, Monroe, and surrounding counties.