lease image BEWARE!!! lease image

LOOK OUT FOR...These are clauses to be careful of and watch out for:
  • Dismissal from college is sufficient cause to terminate the lease.
  • Tenant is liable for all repairs.
  • Tenant is liable for all legal costs in any dispute arising from the contract.
  • Any clause which makes you liable for subsequent rules, regulations, or changes in the lease.
  • Landlord may enter the premises at any time without written notice.
  • Disclaimer clauses which free landlord from any damages caused to you for any reason.
  • Tenant waives any defect in the building.

CLAUSES YOU’D LIKE TO SEE. These are clauses you want to see in your lease. If they aren’t, you should inquire about having them added.
  • No deduction from deposit due to normal wear and tear.
  • Deposits to be returned as soon as possible upon termination of lease.
  • Premises are suitable for the purposes for which they are rented.
  • Lessor shall comply with all ordinances that govern the property, and if violation of an ordinance, lessor will make the necessary arrangements to insure your continued residency on the premises.
  • Lessor shall make all necessary repairs promptly to insure that the residents are receiving what they are paying for.
  • Lessor shall maintain all electric, plumbing and other facilities supplied by him in good working order.
  • Lessor shall maintain and repair fixtures, furniture and equipment belonging to lessor.

SUBLETTING

Often students are locked into 12 month leases even though they may only need their place for 9 months of the year. Subletting might be a possibility for those 3 months you’re not there.
Reread your lease and be sure you may legally sublet your apartment. Some landlords will reserve the right to O.K. any sub-leasees. Be sure to have them sign an identical lease to the one you have signed. Include your landlord’s signature or get his written permission to sublet. Ask for a security deposit, have a damage check list and establish payment plans in writing.
Now that you are the landlord, you will better understand why your landlord appears cautious , nosey or overly concerned.

HELPFUL HINTS

  • Make sure you have all your obligations in writing and then make sure that you meet these obligations. You are legally responsible.
  • Don’t hold back rent in protest without making sure you aren’t subject to eviction. You may take other action if the landlord is not meeting the terms of the lease, but you are still obligated to meet your part of the obligation.
  • Save all cancelled checks of rent and security payments. Put these in a safe place along with a copy of the lease. Sometimes it might be worth the four or five dollars to keep these papers in a safe deposit box.
  • In a situation involving a number of tenants, make sure that all people meet their financial obligations. Pay rent in one check to insure that no one falls behind.
  • Be careful of having prolonged guests in the house. This could get you in trouble if they’re discovered. If five people want to live together, don’t play the game of only four of them signing the lease.
  • Keep your place locked and don’t pass out the key.
  • Find out how to hang pictures, etc. and what the landlord will permit. This can save you money when you move out.
  • Keep your place neat. The neater it is the more money you get back.

HOUSING CODE

The Borough of Kutztown as well as surrounding townships, have very extensive housing codes. If you should want a complete copy of the ordinance, contact the Borough Code Office at 324 West Main Street. If for any reason you feel that these ordinances are being violated, you should contact the Borough Code Enforcement Officer, Todd Meltsch, at 683-3290. The office will take whatever steps necessary to bring the property up to habitable conditions. For those living in Maxatawny Township, the housing inspector can be contacted by calling 610-683-6518.