“Lease (1230)” by Jason Dean
You have found the perfect Boston apartment and are ready to pay your deposits and move in. Your friendly Charlesgate agent brings you into the office and gives you some paperwork to sign, including a Lease. What is it and what should be included in it?
A lease is a written agreement between a person who wants to rent (tenant or lessee) and the person who owns it (landlord or lessor). It protects a tenant from rent increases and “no fault” evictions. It also obliges the renter to pay a set amount to the landlord to live there.
Typically, a lease includes these five components:
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Rent price
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Start and Termination dates
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Names of renters
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Amount of security deposit
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Contact information for maintenance requests
Tax Escalator Clause
Leases sometimes also contain what is called a “tax escalator” clause. This is an exception to the no rent increase rule based upon rising property taxes. With a legally written tax escalator clause, a landlord may increase a tenant’s rent to cover increased taxes.
Questions We Have Been Asked About Leases
Q: I am leaving town for the summer, can I sublet my apartment?
A: With a standard lease, you need your landlord’s permission to sublet your apartment. Although this is fairly common in Boston, you need their “ok.”
Q: I want to break my lease, can I?
A: You can but you may be held responsible for all rent under the lease. Also, you may be subject to costs associated with the landlord replacing you.
Q: My landlord has not given me a copy of my lease, does he have to?
A: Yes, you are entitled to a copy of your lease within 30 days of signing it. Landlords are subject to fines if you do not receive it.
Have another question about leases or finding an apartment in Boston? Reach out to us.
