break a rule or challenge you in court over a dispute.
Here are some issues to consider for rules for your property:
• cleanliness/maintenance of the home • number of vehicles and where they can be kept • smoking marijuana (is it legal in your state? If so, is that something you want to deal with?) • installing satellite dishes • changing the locks • taking down and installing window coverings • loud late-night parties • fireworks, firearms, and other hazardous materials Bottom line: Don’t leave any potential issue unexplored! I know it seems impossible to come up with every scenario, but that’s what your attorney can help you with. Remember: your lease is your protection. You need to give it your all.
13. Renter’s insurance
I suggest the lease require the tenants to have renter’s insurance; that way, they can’t legally sue you if, say, the house burns down, along with all their contents, and they cry that you didn’t “protect their possessions.” Put this in the lease! Please consult your attorney to ensure you’re legally allowed to require that they have renter’s insurance.
14. Utilities
Your lease needs to contain a clause about utilities—specifically, what utilities are required to be paid, by whom, and when. Spell out every single utility that the tenant is required to pay. Why is this important? Here’s an all-too-common scenario that 51
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