Standard Lease - Fixed Term

Standard Lease - Fixed Term

If you have a fixed term lease from us it will be the Greater Boston Real Estate Board - Standard Fixed Term Lease.

This is the most common lease found in the State of Massachusetts. 

While you should always consult an attorney before signing a legal document leases are normally pretty easy to understand. We've attached a basic outline of the standard provisions of the lease here.

Please note this is only for the Standard Fixed Term Lease and does not include any additional addenda e.g. your specific property addendum, any pet addenda, or any other additional documents that are attached to your lease. 

The below explanation should not be interpreted as legal advice.

The first section of the lease lists the parties, property address and lease start/end date.






Section A) outlines The total rent amount due for the whole term, the monthly rent amount and the due date of the rent.

Section B) is rarely used on our leases and will most likely contain "N/A". This section if filled out explains that the lessee would be responsible for the difference in a tax increase by a certain percentage. 


LESSOR AND LESSEE FURTHER COVENANT BELOW


1. This section explains who you would contact for maintenance if different from the Lessor mentioned in the first section of the lease.

2. This section would include any additional provisions, most likely there will be additional documents to your lease 

Page 2 of the Lease:

  1. Heat and Other Utilities: This section is important because it clarifies which utilities you, as the tenant, are responsible for paying, such as electricity, water, or gas. Understanding this will help you budget and avoid disputes with the landlord over unpaid utility bills. You should always make sure you know ahead of time which utilities you are responsible for.

  2. Attached Forms: This section refers to any additional documents or forms that are part of the lease agreement. These forms may contain important information or additional terms you need to be aware of, so make sure you read and understand them. Most likely you will have a property addendum and other documents in addition to your lease.

  3. Care of Premises: This part outlines your responsibility as a tenant to maintain the property in good condition. This means that you need to take care of of the property and not cause damage to the property. Failure to do so may lead to disputes with the landlord or loss of your security deposit.

  4. Cleanliness: This section requires you to keep the property clean and free of trash or debris. A clean and well-maintained property helps maintain a good relationship with your landlord and neighbors and deters infestations of pests and rodents.

  5. Definitions: The Definitions section provides clear explanations of the terms used in the lease agreement. This is important to help you understand the obligations and responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord.

  6. Delivery of Premises: This part specifies when you will take possession of the property and begin your tenancy. Understanding the start date of your lease helps you plan your move and avoid potential conflicts with the landlord or other tenants. Please note your move-in time on your addendum.

  7. Eminent Domain: This section describes what happens if the government takes the property for public use. While this is a rare occurrence, it's important to know your rights and the process that would take place in such a situation.

  8. Fire, Other Casualty: This part outlines the procedures and responsibilities of both parties in case of damage to the property from fire or other unforeseen events. It helps you understand what steps to take and who is responsible for repairs or compensation.

  9. Disturbance, Illegal Use: This section prohibits you from engaging in illegal activities or causing disturbances on the property. It's important to understand and follow these rules to avoid potential legal issues or eviction. In the event continued disturbances are called the City or Town or even a condo association can begin an eviction process.

  10. Governmental Regulations: This part requires you, as a tenant, to comply with all applicable laws and regulations related to your occupancy of the property. Failure to do so may lead to fines or eviction.



  11. Common Areas: This section sets rules and restrictions for using shared areas of the property, such as hallways and parking lots. Understanding and following these rules helps maintain a peaceful living environment for everyone around you.

  12. Insurance: This part indicates that you are responsible for insuring your personal property, and the landlord is not responsible for any loss or damage to your belongings. It's important to consider obtaining renter's insurance to protect your possessions. We strongly advise you getting renter's insurance.

  13. Keys & Locks: This section outlines the rules for keys and locks, including the landlord's responsibility to repair locks and your responsibility to provide duplicate keys if locks are changed.

  14. Loss or Damage: This part specifies that you are responsible for any damages caused by your negligence, and the landlord is not liable for any lost or damaged property, except in cases of their negligence. Understanding this helps you know your responsibilities and avoid disputes.

  15. Notices: This section explains the proper way to give written notices between you and the landlord. Following these guidelines ensures that important information is communicated effectively.

  16. Other Regulations: This part allows the landlord to establish additional rules for the property, such as quiet hours or maintenance procedures. Adhering to these rules helps maintain a harmonious living environment and ensures you are abiding by the lease agreement.

  17. Parking: This section outlines the rules regarding parking on the property. Understanding these rules helps prevent disputes about parking spaces, unauthorized vehicles and will also avoid your car being towed.

  18. Pets: This part states that you cannot keep pets in the property without the landlord's written permission, which can be revoked at any time. Knowing and respecting the pet policy is important to avoid potential issues or eviction. If you have a pet, you will also receive a pet addendum attached to this lease separately.

  19. Plumbing: This section addresses the proper use of plumbing systems and your responsibility for any damage caused by misuse. Following these guidelines helps prevent costly repairs. You are responsible for any issues that arise out of your misuse of the plumbing in your unit.

  20. Repairs: This part outlines repairs. Understanding this helps you know when and how to request repairs and avoid potential conflicts.

  21. Right of Entry: This section explains the landlord's right to enter the property for specific purposes, such as inspections or repairs, and under certain circumstances. Being aware of this ensures that both you and the landlord respect each other's rights and privacy. Entry is further explained in your addendum.

  22. Non-Performance or Breach by Lessee: This part outlines the consequences if you, as the tenant, fail to fulfill your obligations under the lease agreement, such as paying rent or following rules. Understanding these consequences helps you avoid potential legal issues or eviction.

  23. Lessee's Covenants in Event of Termination: This section describes your financial obligations if the lease is terminated due to your breach of the agreement. Being aware of these potential costs helps you understand the importance of complying with the lease terms. This is further explained in your addendum.


  24. Removal of Goods: This part outlines the procedures for removing your personal property from the premises after the lease has ended. Following these rules ensures a smooth move-out process.

  25. Non-Surrender: This section states that returning the keys to the landlord does not automatically end the lease unless agreed upon in writing. Understanding this helps you avoid misunderstandings and ensure a proper lease termination.

  26. Subletting, Number of Occupants: This part sets the rules for subletting the property or adding additional occupants. Knowing and following these rules helps maintain a good relationship with your landlord and ensures you're abiding by the lease agreement.

  27. Trustee: This section relates to the role of a trustee if the property is held in trust. It clarifies the trustee's responsibility in managing the property and lease.

  28. Waiver: This part states that if the landlord overlooks a breach of the lease terms once, it does not mean they give up their right to enforce the lease in the future. This is important to understand to avoid potential disputes.

  29. Separability Clause: This section clarifies that if one part of the lease is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the rest of the lease will still remain in effect. This ensures that the entire agreement is not invalidated due to a single issue.

  30. Copy of Lease: This part states that you, as the tenant, are entitled to a copy of the signed lease agreement. Having a copy of the lease is essential for reference and resolving any potential disputes. As our leases are signed online, you should always save a copy for your records.

  31. Reprisals Prohibited: This section prohibits the landlord from retaliating against you for exercising your rights as a tenant, such as reporting code violations or requesting repairs. Understanding this helps protect your rights as a tenant.

  32. Other Provisions: This part allows for the inclusion of any additional terms or conditions agreed upon by both you and the landlord. Make sure to read and understand these provisions, as they are part of the lease agreement.


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