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Property Leasing Tips
RENTING... More Life, More Style, More Freedom!
There is a new view of who lives in apartments. New demographics and economic choices are redefining the American home.
- Over 15 million American households, totaling 30 million people, live in apartments and the number is growing
- The 1990 census shows 27.9% of Springfield, MO residents RENT!
Put it in writing
The best way to avoid later problems is to address issues in a lease. Put in writing who has the responsibility for maintenance, utilities, whom and where to pay rent as well as policies and procedures. (SAHA has most rental forms available to SAHA members.)
You are responsible. Tenants are expected to:
- Pay rent on time
- Use reasonable care maintain property
- Properly dispose of garbage
- Avoid adding occupants or subletting without permission
Know the Laws
Changes in the law took place in 1997 that allows property owners to double the rent if a tenant lets another person take over the premises without prior permission, and also allows property owners to remove abandoned personal items after notice.
Read and Understand
A resident is not excused from honoring a lease because he/she does not understand it. Read the entire contract and ask questions . Do not rely on verbal statements, all agreements should be in writing.
Moving? Give Proper Notice
Missouri law requires a written "one month's notice" to end a lease, which means a full calendar month and must include a full rental period. Example: if your rent is due on the 1st, your rental period runs from the first of the month to the first of the following month.
Eviction
- A landlord can end a lease:
- When a resident does not pay rent
- When a resident damages property or violates written lease
- When a resident is involved in criminal activity
- At the end of written lease
Lease Expiration
Leases should specify a date on which the tenant must move out unless the lease is renewed. Some leases contain automatic renewal clauses. The lease is renewed unless the resident gives written notice otherwise
Keep a copy of all correspondence.
To help you become better informed about the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, a publication titled, "Missouri's Landlord-Tenant Law" is available from the Office of Missouri Attorney General.
Click here for more information from HUD about renting.
