Hey HB Mamas 
I may just get the rental I really, really want! With all the “private owned” landlord/ tenant posts on here I want to be smart about the lease agreement. I’ve researched online must-haves for landlords and must-haves for tenants. Based on your experience, what should I look out for and be sure to include?
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Definitely be aware of when you have to give notice to avoid either the lease renewing year to year or going to a month to month with a higher fee. See if you can get a moving/job loss/etc. clause if you have to break your lease to restrict your damages. Make sure you can give notice via email or regular mail not certified mail.
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Rules regarding breaking the lease are what I would focus on as well as the notice requirements because life happens and you never know when you might want out. I like leases that list a fixed buy out to break the lease.
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Make sure you get explicit understanding about what maintenance you are required to do and when. Things like mowing the lawn, changing air filters, raking leaves, cleaning the gutters, and the like. If you're in a condo, make clear that you will be receiving all notifications from the condo (that the landlord puts you on the mailing list) and what common perks you have access to.
I had one condo rental where I was expected to change the HVAC filter monthly (something I didn't know exisited) and it caused major damage. They also never made me official with the condo, so I wasn't told they were closing my parking garage for 4 months (so I had to pay to park a mile away) and I couldn't use the pool or gym I wasn't happy.
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You’ve gotten a lot of good suggestions already. I would reiterate the breaking the lease clause. I would also ask about any repairs that would make the dwelling uninhabitable for a few days, would you be compensated or would the owner pay for a hotel? I also ask specifically about normal wear and tear (we always hang a lot of pictures) and the expectation for what you need to do to fix anything when you move out. And if it is a condo, be sure to ask for the condo handbook or rules.
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@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: following. My husband and I are closing on an investment property Wednesday and he I'm sure could use a little guidance.
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@Ms.Mermaid: @Mrsbells: @Pollywog: @lamariniere: thank you! I will be on the look out for these items and make requests to include if they are missing.
@pachamama: congratulations!
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@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: I'm far from thrilled about it. I hate to be unsupportive bc my husband is so excited but my dad and aunt were landlords and it was just endless, endless headaches and issues. The place is also a dump and 30 minutes away. And I'm due with our second child ...last Sunday so....
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