What is a renter?
phila.gov
An occupant is somebody who pays lease to reside in a residential or commercial property (home, house, condo, townhouse) that belongs to another person.

What is a property owner?
wikipedia.org
A is the owner of the residential or commercial property that the occupant resides in.

What is a residential or commercial property supervisor?

Sometimes, the owner of the residential or commercial property hires somebody to manage and manage their residential or commercial property for them.

What is a lease?

A lease is a written agreement between you (the renter) and the landlord, permitting you to reside in the residential or commercial property in exchange for lease. For your security, you need to just enter into a written lease. The lease states what you are accountable for, and what the landlord is responsible for. Both you and the proprietor sign the lease and you both should do what the lease says. Leases are often challenging to comprehend, even for native English speakers, so it is best to have someone you trust help you comprehend your lease, or contact a lawyer to help you.

What is rent?

This is the quantity of cash you will pay the landlord every month. Rent is paid in advance, indicating that lease is due at the start of the month, normally on the first of the month, for that month. Make certain you understand where and how to pay the rent - online? By check? Cash? If you pay your lease in money, always get an invoice as evidence of your payment.

What is the term of the lease?

This is the time duration you and the property owner concur that you can live in the residential or commercial property, and you will pay rent. The majority of the time the term is for one year, however it can be less or more if both you and the property manager concur. When this term is over, you and the proprietor can sign a new lease-if you both agree-and start all over. Or, you can leave the residential or commercial property.

What are the important things the property owner is accountable for?

Mainly, the property owner is accountable for making sure the residential or commercial property is fit to reside in and standard things work. Most repairs are typically the landlord's duty, specifically larger things like the furnace, hot water heating unit, a/c, range, fridge, dishwashing machine, and so on. Make certain the lease has either the landlord's or residential or commercial property supervisor's contact information-telephone number, email address, etc.-and how to contact the proprietor or residential or commercial property manager in an emergency.

What are the primary things the occupant is accountable for?

You are needed to 1) pay rent and 2) keep the residential or commercial property in great condition. Any other responsibilities will be noted in the lease. Sometimes the occupant is accountable for minor repair work and the proprietor is responsible for significant repairs. Ensure you understand what repairs you are responsible for before you sign the lease. The occupant is also responsible to pay for any damages that they, or any of their visitors, cause.

What is a security deposit?

This is cash that you provide the property owner to hold in case you stop working to pay lease or if you damage the residential or commercial property. The security deposit is your cash. If you do whatever that the lease states you are needed to do (most of the times, stay for the full regard to the lease, pay your lease, and do not damage the residential or commercial property) then you must get your security deposit back at the end of the lease. This should take place within 30 days after the lease has actually ended, or 60 days if that's what the lease states, but it can never be more than 60 days after the lease has ended. The property manager must offer you a written statement that shows any reductions from the down payment, and why it was subtracted. Together with this statement, the property manager must give you any money that is because of you. If you do not agree with the part of your down payment that was kept by the landlord, you can go to small claims court and have a judge decide. You can get more info about little claims court from the county in which you live. Also, see the resources listed below for more help.

What am I expected to pay before moving in?

Most of the time you will be needed to pay the first month's lease plus a down payment, which is usually equivalent to one month's lease. Sometimes it can be more. Also, if you are moving in the middle of a month, you might be needed to pay rent for the part of the month you will be living in the residential or commercial property. For example, let's state the lease is $1,500 each month and you are moving in on the 1st of the month. You will pay the first month's lease, $1,500, plus the down payment, $1,500, for a total of $3,000. But if you move in on the 20th of the month, you will most likely need to pay $500 for the 10 days of the existing month (1/3 of a month), plus the $3,000 explained above.

What else do I have to pay each month besides lease?

Rent may not be all that you have to pay. Usually, most utilities-electricity, natural gas, water, internet, cable TV-are paid by you. Everything that you are responsible to pay for will be listed in the lease. Sometimes, some utilities are consisted of in the lease, however the majority of the time they are not, and you are needed to pay them. Make sure you understand whatever that you are required to spend for before you sign the lease.

Is the lease negotiable?

Many items in the lease are negotiable and can be changed if you and the property owner both agree. The 2 most typical things that people attempt to work out are the term and the rent. Let's say the property manager desires a renter for one year, but you just want to remain for 6 months. The term will be decided by what you both concur to. Same with the lease. Remember, both you and the property owner should agree.

How should I interact with the property owner or residential or commercial property manager?

Try to interact with your proprietor in writing when possible (email, and so on) Of course, you can call, but try to follow that with an e-mail to confirm what was said. If it is an important matter, you must send a letter by qualified mail. In an emergency situation, call the emergency situation number that ought to remain in your lease. If that number is not in your lease, ask for it before you move in.

How do I file a grievance on a residential or commercial property supervisor?

You can file a problem versus a residential or commercial property supervisor with the Division of Real Estate.

Filing a Complaint

Can the property manager or residential or commercial property supervisor visit the residential or commercial property while you are living there?

Your proprietor or residential or commercial property manager may wish to check out the residential or commercial property from time to time to examine its condition, however the property manager or residential or commercial property supervisor can not simply come over whenever they want (an exception is if there is an emergency). They should offer you sensible notice or get your authorization, and it should be at an affordable time. Check your lease arrangement concerning this notice and the property owner's right to enter the residential or commercial property. Once you lease the residential or commercial property from the property owner, it is your home for the regard to the lease, and you have a right to personal privacy.

Can I be charged a late cost if my rent payment is late?

Yes, only if your lease payment is late by 7 or more days and the late charge is stated in your lease. You should receive notification of the late fee within 180 days of the date on which your lease payment was due. Late fees charged by proprietors and residential or commercial property managers are restricted to the higher of $50 or 5% of the past due rent payment.

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Can I be kicked out from the residential or commercial property?

An eviction is a legal procedure that a property owner should go through to remove you from the residential or commercial property. This procedure is usually utilized when a renter breaches several lease terms, for instance, failing to pay lease, not leaving the residential or commercial property after the lease term ends, permitting individuals who aren't on the lease to remain in the residential or commercial property, or conducting unlawful activity on the residential or commercial property. For info on your rights if you are being kicked out, see the resources below.