A lease is an agreement that outlines the obligations of the owner and the tenants of a house or apartment. It is a legally binding document that courts will generally uphold in legal proceedings, so it is important for you to know the exact terms of the lease agreement before you sign it. The lease should state every agreement that you believe exists between you and the landlord. Some things to look for in a lease:

• Clauses that allow the landlord to change the terms of the lease after it is signed


• Requirements/responsibilities of the tenants to do routine repairs such as lawn maintenance, cleaning or notification of repairs


• Restrictions that would prevent you from living normally or comfortably in the home


• Term of the lease and any important dates such as when the rent is due, or garbage pick up days

Anything that is not clearly understood or agreeable should be changed or removed. All landlord responsibilities should be clearly stated. Always get a copy of the signed lease to keep in your records. Any clause or terms in the agreement affects ALL parties who sign.

Tenants who lease or rent property are protected against discrimination by The Fair Housing Act. If you think your rights have been violated, you may write a letter or telephone the HUD office nearest you. You have one year after the alleged violation to file a complaint with HUD, but you should file as soon as possible.

Each state has its own tenant rights, laws and protections. For a state-by-state directory, visit www.hud.gov/local. You can also find public housing that is available at www.hud.gov. The agency offers several housing assistance programs for tenants and landlords.