An apartment lease

When people rent an apartment, they often have to sign a lease. A lease
is an agreement between the owner (landlord) and the renter (tenant). A
lease states the period of time for the rental, the amount of the rent, and the
rules the renter must follow. Some leases contain the following rules:

* Renters must not have a water bed.
* Renters must not have a pet.
* Renters must not change the locks without the owner's permission.
* Renters must pay a security deposit.

Many owners ask the renters to pay a security deposit in case there are
damages. When the renters move out, the owners are supposed to return the
deposit plus interest if the apartment is in good condition. If there is damage,
the owners can use part or all of the money to repair the damage. However,
they may not keep the renters' money for normal wear and tear (the normal
use of the apartment).

Renters do not have to agree to all the terms of the lease. They can ask
form changes before they sign. A pet owner, for example, can ask for permission
to have a pet by offering to pay a higher security deposit.

There are laws that protect renters. For example, owners must provide heat
during the winter months, In most cities,they must put a smoke detector in
each apartment and in the halls. In addition, owners can't refuse to rent to a
person because of sex, race, religion, nationality, or disability.

When the lease is up for renewal, owners can offer the renters a new lease
or they can ask the renters to leave. The owners are supposed to notify the
renters (usually at least 30 days ini advance) if they want the renters to leave.