Leases and Rental Agreements

Learn about the laws that cover security deposits, rent increases, and late fees.

Make sure your lease-option agreement is clear on important details, such as how and when the purchase price of the house is determined.

Rent-to-own agreements often sound like a good idea for tenants who might struggle to buy a home in the traditional way. But both landlords and tenants should be aware of the pros and cons of rent-to-own deals before signing an agreement.

Key terms you can expect to see in a lease or rental agreement.

If your lease or rental agreement prohibits sublets (called subleases), be sure to get your landlord’s permission before allowing someone else to move into your rental on a temporary basis.

Get your landlord’s written okay before subletting your rental unit.

Tips for tenants who want to rent all or part of their apartment on Airbnb or similar short-term rental sites.

My rental doesn’t have a no-smoking policy, but my landlord wants to evict me for smoking. What are my rights?

Is there a way I can pass all financial responsibility under my lease to a new tenant?

Find out what landlords can (and can’t) do when tenants leave before the end of their lease.

How the landlord may (or may not) make changes during your month-to-month tenancy or lease

A month-to-month tenancy renews (sometimes termed “rolls over”) every 30 days. But when a tenant or landlord is ready to end a month-to-month tenancy, they must follow their state's rules and procedures.

Landlords who don't make the disclosures required by federal, state, and local laws might be subject to fines, lawsuits, and other penalties.

A pet agreement can reduce a landlord's risks in a pet-friendly building. Here's what to include in the agreement.