Lease Clause Glossary
Common US lease clauses and rental agreement terms explained in plain English, what they mean, whether they're normal, and how to negotiate them.
Automatic renewal clause
A clause that renews your lease for another term unless you give written notice by a deadline.
Joint and several liability
Every tenant on the lease is individually responsible for 100% of the rent and damages.
Waiver of right to jury trial
A clause where you give up the right to have disputes decided by a jury.
Right of entry
Sets when and how your landlord may enter your rental, notice is usually required.
Security deposit
Money held by the landlord to cover unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Late fees
Charges for paying rent after the due date, many states require them to be reasonable.
Subletting clause
Rules for whether and how you can rent your space to someone else.
Quiet enjoyment
Your right to use your home without unreasonable interference from the landlord.
Holdover tenancy
What happens when you stay past your lease term, sometimes at a higher rent.
Notice to vacate
The advance warning you (or your landlord) must give before ending the tenancy.
Rent increase clause
How and when your landlord can raise the rent during or after your lease.