Rental agreement is where the owner of the house and the tenant enter into a contract for the rent period. It is always good to enter into a rental agreement whether it is a house, apartment or flat. Usually a rental agreement has a format prescribed by law containing the period of rent, the rent amount, the tasks to be done by both the parties, etc. It provides equilibrium between the landlord and the tenant. Both of them have to sign the agreement. Mostly the agreement will be for 11 to 12 months, thereafter which there is a choice of renewing the rental period.

Generally when it comes to the rental agreement certain things have to be done by the owner like the payment of property taxes, house tax, water tax, etc. When it comes to the tenant, he will have to bear the costs of electricity, gas and maintenance. Any repairs that are necessary have to be done by the owner. Sometimes the landlord gives the tenant the freedom to make the repairs himself for which the owner will pay on producing the bill for the amount spend on such repairs.

In the rental agreement it is always stated that if the tenant wants to vacate before the lease period he will have to give one month notice. Most owners insist in paying the full lease amount for the agreed lease period if the tenant vacates before the lease period. Sometimes they will be repaid by the person who takes over the lease period. Similarly the landlord also has to give one month notice if they want the tenant to be evicted for any reasons. In such case the tenants need not pay the total lease amount, it is enough if he pays the rent till the day of his eviction. However if there is a written agreement the tenant cannot be evicted by the landlord except on a court order. However if the tenant has caused any damage to the property or detained from paying the rent, sub-letting, etc. no court order is necessary to evict the tenant.

At the end of rental agreement, the landlord may renew the rental agreement or he may terminate the agreement by giving two months notice. It is the own will and wish of the owner to sell vacant possession or use to for his own or may leave to for lease to any other person. It is not necessary for the landlord to state the reasons for the eviction except under certain conditions. All states have their own courts to consider the disputes which may arise between the landlord and the tenant during the period of tenancy. Rental guide can be asked from certain agents who deal with this or form an advocate well – versed in the rent law.

Any person who enters into the agreement for rent has to first check out the condition of the property before he steps in. Condition of the property includes the cleanliness, previous maintenance, state of the furniture and fixtures, etc. If any repairs need to be done the landlord has to make it good before entering the agreement.  A rental property should be spotless when you move in, as this is what your landlord expects when you move out. In some states the inspection report itself will be signed by both the parties to the rent.

Similarly inspection is conducted at the end of the lease period when the tenant vacates to see if it has been properly maintained and if any wear out the owner is free to deduct certain amount for the wears and tears if necessary. It is also necessary for the tenant to take note of the reading on the electricity line, and other meters so that you ensure that you don't pay more on your first bill. Thus while we enter into a rental agreement we will have to follow all the above conditions so that no dispute arises between the owner and the tenant in the future.