Lease Checklist

A lease is a legal contract, and many students sign one without reading beyond the rent and the dates. That is understandable when you are excited and under pressure to secure a place, but it is risky. A lease can commit you to months of payments, restrict how you use your home and affect your deposit and credit. A few minutes with a checklist can save you from expensive surprises.

Laws and lease terms vary by country and region, so this checklist is general. If you are unsure, ask your college housing office or a legal advice service. It is not legal advice.

Before you read

• [ ] I have a copy of the full lease, not just a summary.
• [ ] I have enough time to read it, and I am not being rushed.
• [ ] I understand the language, or I have asked for help with translation.
• [ ] I know who else is signing, and I know them.
• [ ] I have a pen and a list of questions.

The parties and the property

• [ ] The landlord's or agent's full name and contact details are correct.
• [ ] My name is spelled correctly, and so are my housemates' names.
• [ ] The address and unit are right.
• [ ] I know exactly what I am renting: a room, a bed space or the whole property.
• [ ] I know what is included: furniture, appliances, parking, storage.
• [ ] I know whether the landlord owns the property or manages it for someone else.

Rent and payments

• [ ] The monthly rent is clearly stated.
• [ ] I know how rent is split if I share, and who pays whom.
• [ ] The due date is clear.
• [ ] I know how to pay: bank transfer, online or other, and where to send receipts.
• [ ] Late fees are stated, and reasonable.
• [ ] I know whether rent can rise during the lease.
• [ ] I know what happens if a payment is missed.

Length and renewal

• [ ] The start and end dates match when I need to move in and out.
• [ ] I know whether it is fixed term or rolling.
• [ ] I understand the notice period to leave or renew.
• [ ] I know what happens at the end: automatic renewal or conversion to month-to-month.
• [ ] I know the penalty for leaving early.
• [ ] Summer months are covered or excluded as I expect. Our guide on subletting over the summer explains options.

Deposit and fees

• [ ] The deposit amount is stated.
• [ ] I know where it is held, and whether it is protected by law or a scheme.
• [ ] The conditions for return are clear.
• [ ] I know the deadline for the landlord to return it.
• [ ] I have a list of all up-front fees: first month, agency, admin, key or cleaning fees.
• [ ] I have receipts for everything I paid.
• [ ] I have checked that each fee is allowed where I live.

Bills and utilities

• [ ] I know which bills are included in the rent and which are separate.
• [ ] I know which accounts are in whose name.
• [ ] I know the estimated cost of utilities and internet.
• [ ] There is a clear system for sharing bills.
• [ ] I know who handles waste collection and any local fees.

Our guide to budgeting for rent and utilities shows how to plan.

Repairs and maintenance

• [ ] The lease says who is responsible for which repairs.
• [ ] I know how to report a problem, and to whom.
• [ ] There is a stated time for urgent and non-urgent repairs.
• [ ] I know who pays for damage and under what conditions.
• [ ] Appliances and furniture are in working order, and I have noted any faults.
• [ ] I know who handles pests, heating and plumbing problems.

Rules and restrictions

• [ ] Guests: limits on overnight stays and duration.
• [ ] Noise and quiet hours.
• [ ] Smoking and vaping.
• [ ] Pets.
• [ ] Decorations: nails, paint and adhesives.
• [ ] Use of shared spaces and outdoor areas.
• [ ] Parking and bikes.
• [ ] Any rules about running a business or short-term rental.

Subletting and assignment

• [ ] I know whether I can sublet or assign my tenancy.
• [ ] I know the process and any fees.
• [ ] I know who is responsible if a subtenant causes damage.
• [ ] I know what happens if I need to leave and find a replacement.

Joint and several liability

• [ ] I know whether each tenant is responsible for the whole rent.
• [ ] I understand what happens if a housemate stops paying or leaves.
• [ ] I know what happens to the deposit if damage occurs and no one admits it.
• [ ] I have agreed with housemates how we will handle these situations.

Our guide to the roommate agreement template helps you set this out.

Entry, privacy and notice

• [ ] The lease states when the landlord can enter and how much notice is given.
• [ ] I know the rules for inspections, repairs and viewings.
• [ ] I know how and when the landlord can end the tenancy.
• [ ] I know how much notice I must give to end it.
• [ ] I know what is considered a valid notice, in writing or otherwise.

Safety and legal requirements

• [ ] Smoke alarms and, where relevant, carbon monoxide alarms are present and working.
• [ ] Gas, electrical and fire safety certificates are available, if required.
• [ ] Locks and windows are secure.
• [ ] The landlord is licensed or registered, if required where I live.
• [ ] The property is legally allowed to be rented in this way.
• [ ] I know the emergency contacts.

Move-in condition

• [ ] I have an inventory or condition report.
• [ ] I have taken dated photos or video of every room.
• [ ] I have noted pre-existing damage, in writing, with the landlord.
• [ ] I have read the meters, and recorded the readings.
• [ ] I have a list of keys received.

These records protect your deposit.

Questions to ask before signing

• [ ] What is the total cost over the whole lease, including all fees?
• [ ] What happens if I need to move out early?
• [ ] How are repairs requested, and how quickly are they handled?
• [ ] Who is responsible for the deposit?
• [ ] Can I get any verbal promises in writing?
• [ ] Is there anything in the lease that is unusual?
• [ ] Can someone, such as the college housing office, check the lease?

Before you sign

• [ ] I have read and understood every clause.
• [ ] Anything agreed verbally is written into the lease or an attached document.
• [ ] My housemates have read it too.
• [ ] I have a signed copy for myself.
• [ ] I have saved digital and paper copies of the lease and all payments.
• [ ] I know my rights and where to get advice.

Red flags

• A landlord who refuses to show a written lease.
• Pressure to sign or pay immediately.
• Requests for cash only, or payment to a personal account that does not match the landlord.
• Properties that are much cheaper than similar ones.
• Unclear or missing terms about deposits and fees.
• A landlord who cannot prove ownership or authority.
• Refusal to allow you to see the property.

If you see these, stop and ask for advice.

Final thoughts

A lease is worth reading carefully. Use this checklist, ask questions and get agreements in writing. If you are unsure about a clause, get advice before you sign.