APARTMENT LEASE AGREEMENT Homeowners and potential tenants you might want to pay close attention to this.

Very often many homeowners make the mistake of renting their apartment without providing a lease agreement to their tenant. However this can cost you heavily in the months or years ahead and I will explain why. You see, when you have someone who will be renting your apartment, whether that person is family, a close friend or simply someone you met for a brief period of
time - don't you want to establish some boundaries or rules since you will be sharing the same roof? I thought so.
A "Lease Agreement" protects both you the landlord and the tenant. In the event one party breaches its duties to the other and legal action is required you will need your proof, which will be your lease agreement to proceed.

Here are some important items that should be included in the apartment lease agreement for both the landlord and potential tenant's protection:
(1) Use and Occupancy - How many occupants & the use of the apartment - residential or commercial
(2) Rent - due date, grace period & late fees
(3) Condition of Unit - what condition are you getting the apartment in
(4) Security Deposit
(5) Services & Utilities - what utilities the tenant is responsible for, what will the landlord be providing & what appliances are allowed to be used by the tenant.
(6) Repairs & Alterations - is the tenant allowed to make any alterations to the apartment?
(7) Pets - are they allowed and type of pets (dog, cat, etc)
(8) Landlord's Consent - for example, if you're having visitors staying  for more than 30 consecutive days
(9) Landlord Rules - to avoid any discrepancies during the term of the lease such as: access to driveway or backyard, where smoking is permitted, shoveling of snow, garbage removal/disposal, etc.

For you the potential tenant, we strongly suggest you purchase renters insurance to cover your personal belongs in the event of a fire or burglary. 

A lease is a legal binding document, if you do not understand the terms, before signing you should consult your lawyer.

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A lease is a legal binding document by which one party conveys land, property, services, etc., to another for a specified time, in return for a monthly payment. If you do not understand this document, before signing you should consult your lawyer.

Once entered into, a lease contract binds both parties to perform the promises contained in the lease and gives rise to a claim for damages in the event one party breaches its duties to the other.