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For most people, signing an apartment lease agreement is a small event of little consequence. They don't really put a lot of time or planning into the lease and they just sign what the landlord gives them. This is not a good idea, though, as an apartment lease agreement is a binding contract. What is in that lease agreement must be done by you or you could face eviction or a lawsuit. With that in mind, it should go without saying that you have to read your apartment lease agreement fully. Understand what you are signing before you sign it. Also understand these principles.

Some small breach by the landlord doesn't give you the power to withhold rent

One thing that many people believe is that any little problem gives them the right to withhold their rent. Though this varies by state and there are fluid situations present, the majority of mistakes by your landlord do not remove your own duty to pay the rent. A limited number of circumstances provide for a situation where you can withhold rent in an effort to compel the landlord's action. These situations usually have to do with the safety of the apartment. The smart move is to pay the rent on time, as the landlord can come across the top and impose penalties if you do not.

Reasonable fees and penalties

Understand, as well, that many things are not defined in your apartment lease agreement. Some agreements leave the late fees open and impose a duty on the landlord to impose "reasonable fees" when you are late with payments. You should keep track of what the landlord does with this. If they are charging a high percentage of your rent in fees, then you might have a case. They do not have the right to charge you hundreds of dollars each month just because you were a little bit late.

The covenant of quiet enjoyment

One thing central to landlord-tenant law is that you have an expectation of quiet enjoyment. This means that landlords and others are not allowed to do things that make it impossible for you to enjoy your space. If the landlord is constantly bugging you or coming over without authorization, then you have some rights in court. Remember this and don't let yourself get run over in these situations.

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Q: What To Know When Dealing With A Lease?
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