Rental dictionary

Defining the legal lingo in your lease

If there are any other terms or conditions you don't understand in your lease, don't hesitate to ask your prospective landlord what they mean. It's your legal right to understand what you're signing.

ARREARS: Rent that is overdue

ASSIGN: Transfer a lease to a new tenant

CAUSE OF ACTION: An event that may be the basis for a lawsuit.

DEFAULT: Failing to perform a legal obligation.

DETAINER: Withholding another's property without his/her permission.

DISPOSSESS: The removal of somone from a property for lack of payment.

EJECTMENT: They physical or legal removal from a property.

EMURE: Takes effect.

GOODS: Personal property

INDEMNIFY AND HOLD HARMLESS: From from responsibility or liability

INURE: For something to take affect

LEASE: A legal document, also referred to as a rental agreement, is an agreement between a landlord and tenant that gives the tenant a right to use and occupy rental property for a fixed period of time.

LESSEE: Tenant

LESSOR: Owner of the rental property

LIABILITY: To have responsibility

NOTICE TO QUIT: A notice sent from the landlord to the tenant ordering said tenant off the rental property, usually within 30 days.

NOTICE TO VACATE: Notice sent from the tenant to the landlord stating his or her's attention to leave the rental property.

PARTIES TO A LEASE: Members of two parties that agree to abide by the provisions and clauses of a lease; this usually means the tenant (you), any roommates, and the landlord.

SUBLET: An agreement to allow someone to use a rental property for a length of time less than the full term of the lease.

TERM OF LEASE: Length of time that the lease will be in effect.

WAIVER: Relinquishment of a right; giving up an entitlement.