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Key Points to Include in Your Rental Lease Agreement (WI)
When you rent a property in Wisconsin, you and your landlord need to agree on the terms of your tenancy. Typically, this agreement is captured in a written document called a rental lease agreement, which outlines your rights and responsibilities as a tenant and your landlord`s obligations and limitations as a property owner.
A well-crafted rental lease agreement can help you avoid misunderstandings, conflicts, and legal issues during your stay in the rental unit. Here are some essential points that you should consider including in your rental lease agreement:
1. Names and addresses of all parties involved: Make sure you accurately identify yourself, your landlord, and any co-signers or roommates who will be responsible for the rent and other obligations. Also, include the physical address of the rental property and any mailing addresses for notices and payments.
2. Lease term and termination conditions: Specify the start and end dates of your lease, and any renewal options or penalties for early termination. Also, describe the conditions under which you or your landlord can terminate the lease, such as non-payment of rent, breach of the agreement, or other legal reasons.
3. Rent amount, due date, and payment methods: State the amount of rent you will pay for the rental period, including any applicable fees or taxes, and the date when the rent is due. Also, clarify the accepted payment methods, such as cash, check, online payment, or automatic deduction, and any late fees or penalties for missed or bounced payments.
4. Security deposit and other fees: Explain the amount of security deposit you need to pay and how it will be used, such as to cover damages, unpaid rent, or other expenses. Also, disclose any other fees you need to pay, such as application fees, pet fees, or utilities.
5. Use and maintenance of the rental unit: Describe the allowed use of the rental unit, such as for residential purposes only, and any restrictions on smoking, pets, or subletting. Also, specify your and your landlord`s responsibilities for maintenance and repairs, such as who will pay for routine or emergency repairs, what types of changes you can make to the unit, and how to report problems.
6. Rights and obligations of both parties: Clarify your and your landlord`s legal rights and obligations, such as your right to privacy, your landlord`s right to access the unit, and your responsibilities to comply with the lease agreement, local laws, and building codes. Also, mention any insurance requirements, liability waivers, or dispute resolution procedures that you and your landlord agree upon.
By including these and other relevant points in your rental lease agreement, you can create a clear, fair, and enforceable contract that protects your interests and promotes a positive landlord-tenant relationship. Make sure you read and understand all the terms before signing the agreement, and ask any questions or concerns you may have beforehand.