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If I Do Make An Oral Lease – What Terms Should I Discuss With My Future Landlord?

An oral lease requires both parties to agree to specific terms. In most states, oral agreements require the parties to agree on:

Duration of tenancy (no more than one year)
Specified area of use and/or occupation
Terms of Rent (amount, date due and method of payment)
Specified occupants of rental property (roommates, children, pets, etc.)
Terms of Security Deposit, if exists
Use of amenities (appliances, furniture, parking spaces, etc.)
Terms of Use of the property (business, residential, etc)
Assigning responsibility for paying utilities
Terms of landlord repairs and maintenance

Some terms and duties which are not agreed upon may be imposed by law.

Other Leases FAQs

Q: What Is A Lease?
A: A lease or rental agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and tenant. The agreement gives the tenant the right to use and occupy the rental property for … More
Q: I Have Been Renting A Room For The Last Six Months But I Never Signed A Lease – Do I Still Have A Legal Right To Occupy The Room Even Though I Never Signed A Lease?
A: Yes. Although a written lease is beneficial to protect the rights of both parties, oral agreements are valid where the lease period is for no more than one year. … More
Q: If Oral Leases Are Valid For A Lease Under A Year – Then Why Do I Need A Written Lease?
A: A written lease makes terms clear to both parties whereas future disputes in an oral lease may be difficult to resolve due to uncertainty to the terms of the … More
Q: What Terms Should Be Included In A Written Lease?
A: A written agreement should include all terms that are required under a lease and other specified terms that may be otherwise material or ambiguous unless put in … More
Q: Can I Choose To Rent Only To Hispanic Tenants?
A: In general, a landlord may choose their tenants freely based on business criteria such as the prospective tenant’s credit history, income, and references. In … More
Q: Are Subleases Usually Allowed?
A: Unless the lease prohibits a sublease, a tenant may assign the lease to a third party. Many leases either prohibit subleases or require adequate notice to the landlord.
Q: I Found A Place That I Like Better Than My Current Place. Can I Get Out Of My Current Lease?
A: It depends. If you are on a month-to-month lease, in most states you are required to give the landlord 30 days notice to end your lease (usually that notice … More
Q: Are There Any Differences In A Commercial Lease As Compared To A Residential Lease?
A: There are many similarities between residential and commercial leases, however there are differences as well. Residential tenancies tend to be more … More
Q: If I Have To Sue My Landlord Or If My Landlord Sues Me – Who Is Responsible For The Legal Fees?
A: Usually, the lease will have a provision that states that the “prevailing” party in any lawsuit will be able to collect reasonable attorney fees. … More

Landlord/Tenant Sub-categories

Landlord Rights
Landlord Tenant Law
Landlord Tenant Rights
Rent

Rental Discrimination
Repairs
Security Deposit
Terminations and Evictions