How to Change Terms of a Lease

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 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.
Step 2

Propose specific changes to the landlord regarding provisions that are unacceptable to you.
Step 3

Negotiate changes with the landlord and reach an agreement on suggested revisions.
Step 4

Make appropriate changes to the lease in permanent ink.
Step 5

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