What to Check Before Signing a Rental Lease

Read the complete lease before signing. Check the main agreement and every addendum, and ask for a copy of anything the lease refers to. A clear record of the terms and any agreed changes will help if a question comes up later.

What to check in the lease

1. Lease term. Confirm the start and end dates and any renewal or notice terms.
2. Rent and payment. Find the amount, due date, payment method and any stated late charge.
3. Security deposit. Check the amount and what the agreement says about its use and return. California law also sets deposit rules; the lease alone does not determine every right.
4. Utilities and services. Identify which charges are included and which you would pay separately.
5. Repairs and maintenance. Find the reporting contact and any written promise to complete work. California's habitability duties still apply; responsibility for less serious repairs may depend on the agreement.

The California Department of Real Estate's rental-agreement guide lists additional terms and disclosures to check. It recommends reading the full document and obtaining referenced rules before signing.

Ask for a written change before signing

Raise a question with the landlord or property manager and point to the exact clause. Be specific about the change you are requesting. For example, if a repair was promised before move-in, ask that the repair and expected completion date appear in the agreement or a signed addendum. Keep the version signed by both parties. A conversation alone does not show that the lease changed.

If a lease or repair issue comes up later

1. Read the relevant clause and keep a copy of the signed lease, addenda and messages.
2. Describe the issue and dates in writing to the contact listed in the lease. For a repair, include photos when safe and useful.
3. Use the DRE guide to repairs and tenant issues to understand the general rights and responsibilities that may apply. If the dispute remains unresolved, seek help from a qualified local housing resource or legal adviser for your circumstances.

Reading the lease cannot confirm that every term is enforceable or resolve a particular dispute. It gives you the questions and documents needed for the next conversation.

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