HOUSE LEASE
THIS IS A LEGALLY BINDING CONTRACT THAT WILL BECOME FINAL WITHIN THREE BUSINESS DAYS. DURING THIS PERIOD YOU MAY CHOOSE TO CONSULT AN ATTORNEY WHO CAN REVIEW AND CANCEL THIS CONTRACT. SEE SECTION ON ATTORNEY REVIEW FOR DETAILS.
CONTRACT DATE:
1.AGREEMENT: The Landlord and Tenant agree to lease the house for the terms and rent stated below. The words Landlord and Tenant under this Lease shall be construed to mean both the singular and plural.
2.LANDLORD:
TENANT:
3.PROPERTY ADDRESS:
4.TERM:Beginning Date:
Ending Date:
5.RENT: The amount of rent for the above term is $ , the monthly rent is $
The rent is payable in advance, of the day of each and every month and submitted to:
MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:
and DELIVER PAYMENT TO:
AT THIS ADDRESS:
The managing agent of this property is:
Who’s address is as above:
In case of emergency, the Tenant is to call:
6.METHOD OF PAYMENT: The above initial payment of rents and deposits under the terms of this Lease must be paid in cash, certified check or bank check (not personal checks). Thereafter, monthly rent payments may be paid by personal check until the first check is dishonored and returned unpaid. Regardless of cause, no additional payments may afterwards be made by personal check.
7.LATE CHARGES: If the rent is not received by the fifth calendar day after the day of
the month, the Tenant mustpay the full amount of the rent plus an additional late charge (as additional
rent) of $ (5.0%).
8.PLACE AND MANNER OF RENT PAYMENT: At the Tenant’s risk, rent may be sent by U.S. Mail to
the address shown in Section 5. Any rents lost in the mail will be treated as unpaid rent until actually received by the Landlord. Alternately, rental payments directly deposited to the Landlord’s bank account, shall be considered paid, as evidenced by the date of deposit recorded by the Landlord’s bank. Accordingly, late charge(s) will be assessed as per Section 7. It is recommended that rents either be mailed ahead of time or delivered to the above address during business hours.
9.BAD CHECKS: If any rent payment is made by check and the check is returned unpaid to the Landlord or his/her agent for any reason whatsoever, the Tenant will incur an additional $40.00 penalty fee for the same. This penalty will be in addition to the late charge(s) assessed, per Section 7. Collection of the fee for a dishonored check stated in this Lease does not preclude the Landlord from exercising any other remedy under this Lease, including but not limited to, eviction of Tenant from the premises and suit for damages.
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10.ADDITIONAL RENT: If the Tenant fails to comply with any agreement in this Lease, the Landlord may
charge the cost to comply, to the Tenant, as additional rent. This includes, but not limited to court costs;
reasonableattorney fees and late feesincurred by the Landlordas a result of the Tenants’ violation of any
provision of this Lease. In additional to (but not limited to) any charges for damages and/orrepairs caused
by the Tenant and/or Tenants family or guests; unpaid utilities; extermination contracts;fines and/or
penalties incurred by the Landlord due to actions or inactions of the Tenant and/or Tenantsfamily or
guests; increase in property taxes or insurance due to the Tenants’ usage of the rental property;legal fees
and required legal notices shall be the sole responsibility of the Tenant. Should the Landlord be required
to pay any of the above, Tenant shall reimburse same to the Landlord and said payment shall be considered
payable as additional rent. These provisions shallcontinue to be valid and subject to enforcement in the
courts without exceptions. The additional rent shall be due and payable as rent upon notice to the Tenant.
Non-payment of additional rent, provides the Landlord the same rights against the Tenant, as if the Tenant
failed to pay the Rent.
TENANT’S RIGHT TO RECOVER ATTORNEY FEES OR EXPENSES:
If the Tenant is successful in any action or summary proceeding arising out of this lease, the Tenant shall recover attorney’s fees or expenses or both from the Landlord, to the same extent the Landlord is entitled to recover attorney’s fees or expenses or both, as provided in this Lease.
11.QUIET ENJOYMENT: The Landlord has the right to enter into this Lease. If the Tenant complies with this Lease, the Landlord must provide the Tenant with undisturbed possession of the rental property.
12.PARTIAL PAYMENT: The acceptance by the Landlord for partial payments or rent due, shall not under any circumstances constitute a waiver by the Landlord, nor affect any notice of legal proceedings in unlawful detainer.
13.PET CLAUSE: No pets are allowed in the premises unless approved by the Landlord, in writing. All pets discovered on the property and not registered under this Lease will be presumed to be strays and will be disposed of by the appropriate agency as prescribed by law, at the Landlords’ option and at the expense of the Tenant. All registered pets will be subject to the “pet-on-premises” clause, below.
The Tenant specifically understands and agrees:
A) Any pet dogs have not been attack trained nor are they known to be considered vicious nor do they have a history of biting people or animals or causing property damage.
B) That the Tenants are solely responsible for any and all damages or loss to the Landlords’ property,
including but not limited to the premises, carpeting, wood floors and landscaping including lawn and
shrubbery.
C) That in a like manner, the Tenant is solely responsible for any damage or loss to persons or property
of others caused by the Tenants’ pet(s) and in this regard, Tenant does hereby agree to hold the Landlord
harmless for any such damage.
D) That all pets shall be cared for and maintained in a humane and lawful manner. That all pet waste shall
be removed and disposed of, promptly.
E) That all pet(s) shall be maintained so as not to cause annoyance or irritation to others.
F) Any costs incurred by the Landlord due to a nuisance call, an investigation, a violation of the this clause, etc, shall be charged to the Tenant as additional rent.
Further, all dogs and cats must be kept inside the rental premises. The Pet may not be allowed to deposit feces on the grounds of the rental premises or neighboring grounds. Tenant shall immediately remove and properly dispose of all pet waste deposited on the grounds.
G) Tenant agrees to comply with all applicable governmental laws and regulations with regard to Pet.
H) Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while outside the rental premises, and may not be left unattended or chained on any rental premises.
I) Tenant shall not allow the Pet to run loose outside Tenant's rental premises.
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J) If the Pet should in any way threaten or bite any other resident, visitor, guest, employee, neighbor, or pet on the grounds of the rental premises or the neighborhood, the Tenant agrees to immediately remove said pet from the premises. (Immediately is defined to mean not longer than twenty-four (24) hours after the incident).
K) If, in the Landlord's sole judgment, any rule or provision of this Pet Addendum is violated by Tenant or Tenant's guests, Tenant shall immediately and permanently remove the pet from the premises upon written notice from Landlord.
L) Tenant shall be liable for the entire amount of any damages caused by the pet. If any damaged items cannot be satisfactorily cleaned or repaired, Tenant must pay for complete replacement of such item.
Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for the cost of any damage caused by the pet. Said amount shall be payable as additional rent.
M) Tenant shall be strictly liable for the entire amount of any injury to any person or property caused by the pet, and shall indemnify and hold harmless Landlord for all costs of litigation, awards, judgments, court costs, attorney's fees, or other losses by Landlord.
N) If any rule, term, covenant, condition or provision of this Pet Clause is violated, Landlord shall, in addition to the foregoing, have all rights and remedies set forth in the Lease for violations thereof, including but not limited to eviction, damages, loss of rent, administrative costs, employee time costs, court costs and attorney's fees.
Accordingly, the Landlord approves the following pet(s):
Pet Name:Pet Breed:
License #:Date of last Rabies Vaccination:
Type of Pet:
PET ON PREMISES: Under the terms of this Lease, the Tenants state that they only have the pet or pets, if any, as registered above. However, if it is discovered that there are any un-registered pet(s) on the premises for any time, then a fine of $1,000.00 will be imposed and will become due and payable, immediately for each additional pet. The additional pets will then be disposed of, as set forth in this Section.
14.OCCUPANTS / EXTRA-VISITORS: The Tenants agree to use the premises as living quarters for the
Adult(s) named in this Lease, and their Children herein named, ONLY. Visitors of a two (2) week period or less are permitted, but no other permanent residents will occupy the premises, without the expressed written permission of the Landlord.
15.POSSESSION AND USE: The Landlord shall give possession of the premises to the Tenant for the term. The Tenant shall take possession of and use the premises only a private residence. The Tenant shall not use the premises for any business, professional or unlawful purpose. The Tenant must not allow the house to be vacant (defined as without furnishings and/or personal property of the tenant for any duration) during the term.
16ACCEPTANCE OF PROPERTY: Tenant accepts the subject premises in “AS-IS” condition, subject to
the three day inspection, as per Section 26.
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17.SECURITY DEPOSIT: The Tenant shall pay to the Landlord, the sum of $ (theSecurity Deposit cannot exceed one and one-half month’s rent) to assure that Tenant performs all of the Tenant’s obligations under this Lease. Landlord shall comply with the Rent Security Deposit Act (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19et seq.;the “Act”). When the Security Deposit is paid, as set forth herein, it shall be deposited or invested by the Landlord in an interest bearing account as required by law. The interest accrued on said deposit shall belong to the Tenant. The interest shall be permitted to compound, or shall be paid to or credited for the benefit of the Tenant as provided by law. The Tenant may not use the Security Deposit to pay rent. The Landlord shall deposit the Security Deposit into a banking institution or investment company in New Jersey, as set forth herein
Bank Name/Address:
Type of Account:Held in a simple interest bearing savings account
Rate of Interest:Bearing (currently) .% rate of interest, per year, subject to periodic change, as prescribed by Bank
In Account Number:
This Act also requires, payment in cash, to the Tenant, of all interest earned on the Security Deposit, upon the
anniversary date of this Lease or the renewal of the term of the Lease. At such time, or at the time of a change in the
type of account or a change in the banking institution or investment company, the Landlord shall again notify the
Tenant of i) The name and address of the banking institution or investment company; ii) The type of account in
which the Security Deposit is deposited or invested; iii) The amount of the Security Deposit and iv) The current rate
of interest for the account. Such a notice shall also be given to the Tenant within 30 days after conveyance of the
Property. The Landlord may deduct from the Security Deposit any costs resulting from the Tenant’s failure to comply
with any of the terms of this Lease. If the Landlord makes any such deductions, then upon demand, the Tenant shall
promptly restore the Security Deposit to its original amount. The Security Deposit may not be used by the Tenant,
for the payment of rent without the written consent of the Landlord.
The Landlord shall inspect the Property after the Tenant vacates at the end of the Term. Within 30 days of the termination of this Lease, the Landlord shall return the Security Deposit plus the undistributed interest to the Tenant, less any charges expended by the Landlord for damages to the Property resulting from the Tenant’s occupancy. The interest and deductions shall be itemized in a statement by the Landlord and shall be forwarded to the Tenant with the balance of the Security Deposit, by personal delivery, registered or certified mail.
If the Landlord sells or transfers the Property during the term of this Lease, the Landlord will transfer the Security Deposit plush all undistributed interest to the new owner. Landlord shall notify the Tenant of the sale and transfer, as well as the name and address of the new owner. The notice shall be given by registered or certified mail within five (5) days after conveyance of title. After the acquisition of the Property, the new owner shall have all the responsibility regarding the Security Deposit and the Landlord shall have no further responsibility.
Within 30 after the end of the term or any extended term of this Lease agreement, the Landlord shall return to the Tenant the security deposit, subject to the following:
A) The full term of this Lease has been completed.
B) No damage or deterioration to the premises, building and/or grounds is evident.
C) The entire dwelling is cleaned, including appliances, closets, refrigerator (defrosted), oven and all
debris and rubbish has been removed from the property. Carpets have been vacuumed and professionally cleaned. No marks or holes on walls (Refer to Rider A at the end of this Lease).
D) All provisions of this Lease have been conformed to
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E) All keys have been returned and delivered to the Landlord or the Landlords’ agent by 10:00Am on the day directly following the last day of this Lease agreement. If the Tenant fails to return all keys and/or automatic garage door openers (if applicable) by the aforementioned date, the Tenant will be charged a LATE FEE of $20.00 per day, for each day the keys are not returned. If all keys are not returned to the Landlord within three days of vacating the property, the Landlord will have all door locks changed and the cost of this will be charged to the Tenant, as additional rent.
No part of the security deposit shall be released to the Tenant until each condition specified above, has been satisfied, in the sole opinion of the Landlord.
If there is more than one Tenant in Section 2, and if any one of the Tenants should vacate the premises, the
remaining Tenants will be responsible for all of the terms and conditions of this Lease. Under no circumstances will the Landlord return partial security deposits to any individual Tenant in a group Tenant agreement, if a Tenant vacates the property earlier than the Lease term expires. If the Landlords’ interest in the property is transferred, the Landlord shall turn over the security deposit to the new Owner/Landlord and shall notify the Tenant (in writing) of the name and address and telephone number of the new Owner/Landlord, within 10 calendar days of the transfer. The Landlord shall no longer be liable to the Tenant for the security deposit. The new Owner/Landlord shall become liable to the Tenant for the return of the security deposit.
18.CLEANING DEPOSIT: Tenant specifically agrees to leave the premises in broom clean condition or to pay a $200.00 cleaning fee to the Landlord for the purpose of having the premises cleaned. If the premises are left broom clean, this fee will not be charged. The Landlord will determine whether or not the premises are broom clean.
19.NO ASSIGNMENT OR SUB-LETTING: The Tenant agrees not to assign this Lease, not to sub-let any
part of the property and not to allow any person (other than those named in Section 2) to occupy the property without first receiving written permission from the Landlord and paying any surcharges required by the Landlord.
20. VIOLATION, EVICTION AND RE-ENTRY: If the Tenant violates any provision of this Lease, the Landlord has the right to end this Lease and re-enter the house. This is done by eviction. The Landlord
may also evict the Tenant for other causes provided by law. Eviction is a court ordered procedure to
remove a Tenant. It is started by the filing of a complaint in a local court and the service of a summons on
a Tenant to appear in court. After the court order of eviction and compliance with the warrant of removal,
the Landlord may re-enter and take back possession of the property. If the cause for eviction is non-payment of rent, notice does not have to be given to the Tenant before the Landlord files for complaint. If there is any other cause to evict, the Landlord must give notice to the Tenant, as required by law, before the Landlord files a complaint for eviction.