Identify Illegal Lease Clauses Before Signing

Cost Savings

Checklist Tasks

• Check for clauses that waive your right to habitable living conditions—these are invalid.
• Flag requirements to pay all repairs, since landlords have legal maintenance duties.
• Identify bans on guests or overnight visitors that violate your right to access.
• Review for late fees or penalties exceeding local legal limits.
• Spot waivers of security deposit returns or mandatory non-refundable fees.
• Ensure landlord entry clauses allow proper notice, except for emergencies.
• Review for forced arbitration or lawsuit waivers that may not be enforceable locally.
• Note limits on legal recourse or reporting code violations—these are risky.
• Check for automatic renewal clauses needing more than 30 days’ notice to terminate.
• Identify clauses shifting common area utility costs that may be unlawful.
• Confirm any required extra insurance matches local tenant law standards.
• Consult a tenant advocate or legal aid about unclear or suspicious clauses before signing.