Renter Support Part 4: Understand Your Lease
Review key lease terms, confirm important details before signing, and keep track of your renter responsibilities.
In just a few minutes, you will learn how to review the main parts of a lease, what to confirm before signing, and how to keep track of your responsibilities as a renter.
The Housing Helpdesk → Renter Support → Part 4 of 5
Introduction
A lease is a written agreement between a renter and a landlord or property manager. It explains the terms of the rental, including how much rent is due, when payments are due, who may live in the home, and what the renter and landlord or property manager are responsible for.
A lease may include additional documents called addenda. It may also include property rules, community guidelines, move-in procedures, or other written requirements.
Read the entire agreement before signing. If an important promise or condition was discussed but does not appear in the written documents, ask for clarification and request that it be put in writing.
This guide can help you know what to look for, but it cannot interpret your lease or provide legal advice.
What to Review in Your Lease
Before signing, review the lease carefully and look for:
Who is included in the agreement, including all tenants, occupants, and any other named parties.
What property, room, parking, storage, or shared spaces are included, and whether access or use is subject to specific rules.
Lease start and end dates, including what happens when the initial term ends.
Monthly rent and payment due date, including accepted payment methods and any terms related to late payments.
Security deposits, fees, and other charges, including when they are due and whether any conditions apply.
Utilities and services, including which costs are included in rent and which are your responsibility.
Household and property rules, including rules related to guests, pets, smoking, noise, and alterations, if applicable.
Maintenance and repair responsibilities, including how to report problems and which issues require prompt notice.
Notice, renewal, and move-out requirements, including deadlines and any required written notice.
Changes during the lease term, such as changes to household members, employment, income, or the need to move before the lease ends.
Step-by-Step: Review Your Lease
Use the steps below to review the written agreement, confirm important details, ask questions before signing, and save complete records for your files.
-
Check that the names of all renters are correct and that the lease identifies the correct rental property, unit, or room.
Confirm which spaces are included, such as:
A bedroom or private room.
Parking space.
Storage area.
Yard or outdoor space.
Garage.
Furnished items.
Shared areas, such as a kitchen, bathroom, or laundry room.
If you are renting a room, check that the agreement explains which areas are private and which are shared.
-
Check the lease start date, end date, and any deadlines for renewing or moving out.
Do not assume that a lease will automatically renew or end in the way you expect. Look for language explaining whether the lease is for a fixed period, continues month to month, or has another arrangement.
Mark important dates on your calendar, including:
Lease start date.
Rent due date.
Lease end date.
Renewal deadline.
Required notice deadline.
Move-out date.
Inspection or key-return dates, if provided.
Review the agreement early enough to plan. Waiting until the end of a lease term may limit your options.
-
Review the monthly rent, payment due date, accepted payment methods, security deposit, late fees, and any other charges listed in the agreement.
Look for:
The exact monthly rent.
When rent is due.
How rent must be paid.
Whether there is a grace period.
What late fees may apply.
The amount and purpose of the security deposit.
Whether there are parking, storage, pet, utility, or other recurring charges.
What costs may be due at move-in or move-out.
Compare the lease with the terms you were given before signing. If an amount, deadline, or payment schedule differs from what you understood, ask for an explanation before moving forward. Confirm how rent must be paid each month, such as through an online portal or by check, so you have the right payment method set up before your first due date.
-
Confirm which utilities and services are included in rent and which you must arrange or pay separately.
This may include:
Electricity.
Gas.
Water or sewer.
Trash service.
Internet.
Parking.
Snow removal.
Laundry facilities.
Other property-related services.
Look for how the lease explains these costs. If the arrangement is unclear, ask for clarification before signing.
-
Look for rules about:
Guests and extended stays.
Pets.
Assistance animals.
Smoking.
Parking.
Noise.
Shared spaces.
Storage.
Subleasing.
Alterations or improvements.
Additional household members.
Move-in and move-out procedures.
Do not assume that a roommate, family member, guest, or pet can be added later without approval. Review the lease and ask about the required process before making a change to your living arrangement.
-
An addendum is an additional document that may become part of the rental agreement. It may explain specific rules, responsibilities, or conditions related to the property.
Addenda may address:
Pets.
Utilities.
Parking.
Furnished items.
Community or building rules.
Maintenance responsibilities.
Smoking.
Mold or moisture.
Move-in or move-out procedures.
Shared spaces.
Rental insurance.
Property-specific rules.
Read every addendum and attachment before signing. Ask questions about any term that is unclear. If the lease requires renters insurance, note any coverage requirements and deadlines.
-
Find out how to report maintenance concerns and who to contact for routine repairs or emergencies.
Review which tasks are assigned to you and which responsibilities are assigned to the landlord or property manager in the agreement.
As a renter, you may be expected to:
Keep the rental reasonably clean.
Use appliances and fixtures appropriately.
Report leaks, damage, pests, or unsafe conditions promptly.
Prevent avoidable damage.
Follow instructions for heating, plumbing, appliances, and other systems.
Obtain permission before making changes to the property.
Use the communication method required by the lease, such as email, an online resident portal, or a maintenance-request form. Keep a copy of each request and any response.
-
Ask about anything that is unclear, including:
A fee that was not previously discussed.
A rule that differs from what you were told.
A repair or condition of the property.
A responsibility that is not clearly assigned.
A promise or agreement that does not appear in writing.
A notice, renewal, or move-out requirement.
A rule about guests, pets, parking, or shared spaces.
It is reasonable to ask for time to read the agreement before signing. Do not sign a lease you have not reviewed or that is unclear to you.
If your question involves a lease concern, legal rights, a dispute, eviction, deposit, habitability concern, discrimination concern, or tenant-rights issue, contact a qualified tenant-support organization, legal services provider, or other appropriate professional.
-
After signing, keep a complete copy of:
The lease.
All addenda and attachments.
Move-in inspection documents.
Written approvals or agreements.
Payment records.
Notices.
Important communication with the landlord or property manager.
Keep these records in a secure location throughout your tenancy. Your Renter Ready Folder can be a good place to save lease documents, payment records, notices, and important communication.
Document the Condition of the Rental
When you move in, review the condition of the rental carefully. If you receive a move-in inspection form, complete it according to the instructions.
Consider documenting:
Floors, including stains, scratches, or wear on carpets and hard surfaces.
Walls and ceilings, including marks, holes, cracks, or paint damage.
Windows and doors, including whether locks, screens, and latches work properly.
Appliances, including whether the stove, oven, refrigerator, and microwave are clean and operating correctly.
Fixtures, including light switches, ceiling fans, electrical outlets, and plumbing faucets.
Cabinets and countertops, including surfaces, hinges, and shelving.
Bathrooms, including leaks, water pressure issues, caulking, or tile wear.
Outdoor areas, such as designated parking spaces, patios, decks, or entryway steps.
Furniture or other included items, such as furnishings or window coverings.
Existing damage or signs of wear, using clear photos, videos, and notes before settling in.
Photos and videos can help create a record of the rental’s condition when you moved in. Keep copies of your images and any related written communication.
If you notice a maintenance concern, damage, or unsafe condition, report it through the communication method required by your lease.
Room Rentals and Shared Housing
Room rentals, shared housing, and employee housing may include different rules, responsibilities, and household arrangements. Before agreeing to the rental, confirm:
Which bedroom or area is included, and what furniture or storage comes with it.
Which spaces are shared, such as the kitchen, living room, bathrooms, laundry area, or outdoor spaces.
Who else lives in the home, including other tenants, household members, or pets.
How utilities are divided, including how shared costs are calculated and when payments are due.
Whether there is a written agreement, and whether everyone’s responsibilities are clearly described.
Rules about guests, quiet hours, parking, storage, and pets, including any limits or approval requirements.
Who handles repairs and maintenance, and how you should report problems.
What notice is required to end the arrangement, including whether notice must be provided in writing.
What happens if another household member moves out, including how that may affect rent, utilities, or the shared arrangement.
A written agreement can help prevent misunderstandings, including when you are renting from someone you know.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
An addendum is an additional document connected to the lease. It may explain specific rules, responsibilities, or conditions related to the rental. Read each addendum before signing because it may be part of the agreement.
-
Ask the landlord or property manager to explain the term before signing. If something important is explained verbally, ask whether it can be included in writing.
If you need guidance about a lease, repair, deposit, landlord communication, eviction concern, or another tenant-landlord issue, contact a qualified tenant-support organization, legal services provider, or other appropriate professional.
-
Do not assume that you can add another person. Review the lease and ask the landlord or property manager what approval or application process may be required.
-
Guest rules vary by lease. Review the sections about guests, occupancy, and extended stays. Ask before allowing someone to stay longer than the lease permits.
-
Look for language about renewal, notice, move-out, and other procedures that apply at the end of the agreement. Review these terms early and ask questions before a deadline approaches.
-
Pause before signing and ask for clarification. If an important term was agreed upon, request that it be accurately reflected in the written lease or another signed document.
Tenant Guidance and Legal Resources
If you have questions about a lease, deposit, landlord communication, repairs, eviction, lockout, or another tenant-landlord concern, reaching out to a qualified resource is a good next step.
Housing Eagle County and The Housing Helpdesk provide general information and cannot interpret your lease, determine your legal rights, resolve disputes, or provide legal advice.
Colorado Division of Housing
The Colorado Division of Housing provides a statewide directory of tenant legal and rent-assistance resources. It is a good place to start when looking for tenant-support organizations or rent-assistance resources in Colorado.
Colorado Division of Housing - Disputes with Landlords
This resource offers guidance on documenting rental concerns and finding help with rental-agreement questions, eviction concerns, and other tenant-landlord issues. It directs renters to Colorado Housing Connects for support and explains that the Division of Housing generally does not mediate disputes between landlords and tenants.
Colorado Housing Connects
Colorado Housing Connects provides tenant guidance and referrals for concerns involving leases, repairs, deposits, landlord communication, and eviction.
Colorado Legal Services
Colorado Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance for eligible tenants, including help with some matters involving eviction, lockouts, habitability concerns, and security deposits. It also offers free, confidential legal clinics and workshops on tenant-landlord law for seniors and low-income community members.
Before You Sign
Before signing, check that you:
Have read the complete lease before adding your signature.
Have reviewed all addenda and attachments, including property rules, pet agreements, and parking policies.
Have confirmed the names and property details, including all tenants, occupants, and the rental address.
Have reviewed the lease start and end dates, including what happens when the initial lease term expires.
Have reviewed the rent, deposits, fees, and payment schedule, including accepted payment methods and due dates.
Know which utilities and services are included and which ones you are responsible for setting up or paying.
Have reviewed household and property rules, including guests, quiet hours, parking, pets, and shared spaces.
Know how to report repairs and maintenance concerns, including emergency contacts and routine request procedures.
Have reviewed renewal, notice, and move-out requirements, including any written notice deadlines.
Have asked questions about anything unclear and requested important clarifications or agreements in writing.
Know how to save a signed copy of the lease, addenda, and related documents for your records.
Key Takeaways
A lease is a written agreement that explains the terms and responsibilities connected to a rental.
Read the complete lease, including all addenda and attachments, before signing.
Review and confirm rent, deposits, fees, utilities, lease dates, and household rules.
Ask for important promises, clarifications, or changes to be included in writing.
Document the condition of the rental when you move in.
Keep records of your lease, payments, maintenance requests, notices, and important communication.
Review your lease before making changes to your household or moving out.
Ready to Take Your Next Step?
Choose the next move that fits your situation.
Continue to Part 5: Be a Successful Renter & Plan Ahead
Build habits that support housing stability, help you address concerns early, and prepare for future housing decisions.
Check out the Rental Funds program
Rental Funds may be available to eligible locally employed, full-time, year-round renters starting a new lease of at least 12 months in Eagle County. Review current program details before making decisions based on possible assistance.
Need help? Contact us.
We're here to help you navigate the process.
🔎 Back to Renter Support overview.
🏠 Back to The Housing Helpdesk.
Important Note
The Housing Helpdesk provides general housing education and local resource information. It is not legal advice, financial advice, or a substitute for guidance from a qualified professional.
Rental situations can vary based on your lease, household, landlord, property, income, deadlines, and specific circumstances. Housing Eagle County and The Housing Helpdesk do not interpret leases, determine legal rights, resolve disputes, or guarantee housing, rental assistance, or program eligibility.
If you have questions about a lease, notice, eviction concern, deposit issue, habitability concern, discrimination concern, or tenant-rights question, contact a qualified tenant-support organization, legal services provider, or other appropriate professional.