Module 2: Understanding the Lease

You have the right to review the lease before you sign to ensure you understand the terms. Ask properties for a copy of the lease early so that you do not feel pressured to sign before you are ready.

Review your lease before you sign. This seems like a simple task at first glance, but leases are legal documents and can be difficult to understand. Plus, it is hard to anticipate what might happen during the term of a lease, so phrases that seem innocuous when you sign can become unexpectedly burdensome later.

Penn State students are eligible for a free lease review with Student Legal Services. Request an appointment or come to drop in hours to review your lease with an attorney.

If you are reviewing the lease yourself, there are some terms and concepts you need to understand. They include:

• Cost
• Obligations relative to other tenants
• Unfair or impossible terms
• Renter's Insurance
• Guarantors

The next few pages will expand on each of these ideas. But first, another scenario (on the next page).