Property Law

Reading a residential lease before you sign

Tidy styled arrangement of a lease agreement, pen, keys and a small potted plant on a pale wooden floor against a white

A residential lease is a binding contract, so it is worth reading every clause before you sign, not just the rent and start date. Tenants and landlords both have rights under the Rental Housing Act and, in many cases, the Consumer Protection Act. Knowing these rights helps you spot clauses that are unfair or unclear before they become a problem.

Pay close attention to how the deposit is held and refunded, who is responsible for repairs and what notice is needed to end the lease early. Insist on a joint inspection at the start and end of the lease, with photos. If a clause worries you, send it to us for a quick review before signing.