Housing

Housing in Arizona

Lease Agreements

Apartments will require a lease agreement in order to live in their complex. Please read carefully before signing a lease agreement as if you break any terms in the agreement, it can cost you money and/or result in your removal from your apartment. All the blank spaces on the contract should be filled in before you sign. The landlord is required by law to give you a copy of your lease.

Breaking a Lease

You cannot “break” a lease agreement in the middle of a contract without being responsible for the payment of rent until the end of the lease. There are exceptions to this rule. Under month-tomonth rental agreements, notice must be given 30 days before. A 30-day written notice may be necessary even when your lease ends on a specific dates. Notices should always be given in writing. A “lease break” fee (mentioned in some rental agreements) may or may not be enforceable in a court of law.

Ending a Lease

At the end of your lease, you have the right to be present when the landlord completes th a move-out inspection. The landlord is supposed to return the security deposits within 14 business days.

Security Deposit

Apartment complexes generally require a security deposit for you to lease an apartment. This deposit is some additional money that you will give them when make the lease agreement to ensure that you do not damage the apartment or any other rented property and to pay for professional cleaning. You should get most of it back when you move out as long as no damage has been done. If you do damage the apartment and do not fix it before moving out, then you will forfeit your security deposit.