How to Ensure Your Lease Addendums Are Legally Binding?: A Guide for Renters

Renting a new apartment or house can be an exciting and nerve-wracking experience. As a renter, you are likely to be presented with a lease agreement that includes various terms and conditions. While some of these terms may work for you, others may not, prompting you to add additional provisions to the contract. Adding a lease addendum is an excellent way to protect your interests as a tenant. 

But, how do you ensure that the addendum is legally binding? In this post, we will give you some tips on how to ensure your lease addendums are legally binding.

1. Documentation: To ensure that the lease addendum is legally binding, ensure that it is properly documented. As a tenant, you should make sure that the addendum is well-written, with clear language that is easy to understand. It should include the original lease agreement's date, and both parties should sign and date the addendum. You may also want to have a witness to sign the addendum, but this is not mandatory, depending on your state.
   
   
2. Review Your State's Landlord and Tenant Laws: Each state has its specific landlord and tenant laws. These laws provide guidelines for lease addendums and their legalities. As a tenant, it is essential to review the laws in your state to ensure that you comply with them. You can research online or seek assistance from an attorney to help you understand your state's laws regarding leases and lease addendums.
   
   
3. Consult with your Landlord or Property Manager: As a tenant, it's essential to reach out to your landlord or property manager to get clarification before drafting an addendum. Ask your landlord or property manager for permission to add an addendum to the lease agreement. If you get the go-ahead, let them review the addendum before approval. Your landlord or property manager may also propose changes or additions to the addendum to ensure its legal binding.
   
   
4. Follow Proper Notification Procedures: To ensure that your lease addendum is legally binding, make sure to follow the proper notification procedures. If you plan to add an addendum during your tenancy, provide your landlord with a written notice, stating the proposed modifications. This notice should have enough time for the landlord to review and respond to the proposed changes. Afterward, both parties should sign and date the addendum, and all copies should be stored with the original lease agreement.
   
   
5. Get Legal Assistance: If you are not familiar with the legal processes of lease addendum drafting, it may be wise to seek legal assistance from professionals. An attorney can help you draft a legally binding addendum and ensure that both parties are protected. Legal assistance may come at a high cost, but it is worth the expense, as you will be assured that the addendum is in compliance with the law.

Conclusion:
As a renter, it's essential to protect your interests by adding lease addendums to your lease agreement. To ensure that your lease addendum is legally binding, it's essential to document it properly, to review your state's laws, consult with your landlord or property manager, follow the proper notification procedures, and seek legal assistance. By following these tips, you are sure that you don't violate your lease and that the landlord will abide by the agreement.