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Renter's
Terminology
Rental Agreement or Lease
A legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant,
whether written or verbal, containing the terms and
conditions of the use and occupancy of a dwelling unit and
its premises. A rental agreement usually describes a
month-to-month tenancy or a longer term tenancy such as nine
months or a year.
Deposit/Fees
These may include first and last month’s rent, security
deposit, and cleaning fees. Be sure these fees are clearly
spelled out in your lease.
Termination
The end of the tenancy that occurs automatically at the end
of the lease or as a result of mutual agreement or by court
order.
Landlord
The
owner of the property that is leased or rented to another.
Eviction
To put a tenant out by legal process.
Sublet/Sublease
To lease or rent all or part of a leased or rented property.
Discrimination
It is illegal to discriminate based on race, color, sex,
family status, religion, and nation of origin, mental or
physical disability.
Credit Check
Landlords may check your credit history to see if you have a
history of paying your bills on time. Landlords may also
check your criminal history through public records.
Right
of Entry
A landlord must give a 24 hour written or verbal notice
prior to entry unless other agreements have been made. Your
landlord may enter the rental without notice or consent in
the following cases:
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An
emergency, which includes a repair problem which must be
repaired immediately to avoid serious damage. Note: The
landlord must provide written or verbal notice within 24
hours after an emergency entry.
-
When
the tenant has requested repairs in writing, but only at
reasonable times within seven days of the request for
repairs.
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When
the tenant has been absent for more than seven days and
entry is reasonably necessary.
-
Pursuant to a legal order.
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When
the tenant has abandoned or surrendered the premises.
-
To
come to the property to serve a notice, but in this case
the landlord may not enter the dwelling.
Month
to Month Tenancy
A tenancy that automatically renews and continues for
successive monthly periods on the same terms and conditions
originally agreed upon until terminated by either party.
Termination occurs upon 30 days written notice by the tenant
or by the landlord or by mutual agreement. Changes in terms
or conditions including the amount of rent may also occur
upon 30 days written notice by the landlord.
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