Navigating Your Lease
Signing a lease can seem scary at first. Once you understand the elements of a standard lease, you can be confident that your rental agreement is sound.
Read this Q&A with Adam, one of your Community Ambassadors!
What should a lease include?
A lease should always include the names of all tenants, landlord/management phone number and address, monthly rent amount, and day rent payment is due. Most Boston leases begin September 1st and run until August 31st.
Can only 4 students live together in Boston?
Boston law, "No More Than 4" says that no more than four undergraduate students may live together in an apartment. This is to eliminate overcrowding and unsafe conditions. If the city finds the apartment overcrowded with illegal tenants who are not on the lease, tenants not on the lease may have to move out.
Are utilities included in the rent?
Pay attention to utilities! Some utilities may be included, while some apartments do not include any utilities. Ask if your landlord pays for heat and hot water. Find out which utilities are included and which are your responsibility. It should be in writing on your lease or addendum. Landlords pay for water/sewer unless there is a separate water meter for each unit in the building or you live in a single-family home.
Are verbal promises from the realtor binding?
No- get everything in writing! It might feel awkward asking for any verbal promises to be put into writing, but you need to protect yourself and ensure that everything is in writing.
What is an addendum?
The standard lease may also include an attachment from your landlord, known as an addendum. These are "extra rules" that the landlord will apply to your apartment. This is where you need to read extra carefully. Look out for illegal or exorbitant fees, ambiguous language, or extreme cleaning requirements.
Where do I go with questions about my lease?
Use Off Campus Student Services and the Community Ambassadors as a resource! We have a student panel at our Living Off Campus Workshops on Wednesday, February 8th and Monday, February 13th. Both panels are at 6:30pm and will be held in Snell 115.
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