How to Change Terms of a Lease

You may be able to change the terms of your lease by negotiating revisions to a rental contract with your landlord.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Self-help Law Books
• Financial Calculator
• Leases
• Real Estate Attorneys
• Notebooks
• Personal Organizers
• Writing Pens

1. Review the lease for any conditions that are unacceptable to you, such as restrictions on pets or operating a home business; the stated duration of your occupancy; policies on subletting and refund policies on security deposits.

2. Propose specific changes to the landlord regarding provisions that are unacceptable to you.

3. Negotiate changes with the landlord and reach an agreement on suggested revisions.

4. Make appropriate changes to the lease in permanent ink.

5. Initial and date each change on the lease; make sure the landlord initials and dates each change, as well.

6. Obtain and keep a copy of the modified lease for your permanent records; make sure the landlord retains a copy of the modified lease for his or her files.

Tips & Warnings

• The best time to change the terms of a lease is before you sign any papers; the terms of most standard leases may be negotiated with your landlord.

• A lease is a binding, legal document - make sure you understand all the provisions before you sign any papers.

• If you agree to a lease provision only on certain conditions (such as the landlord must recarpet the rental unit by your move-in day), make sure you specify those conditions in writing on the lease contract.

• Landlord-tenant laws can be confusing and complex. Make sure your lease covers all the bases by consulting local housing authorities or a local real estate attorney.