BeforeYouSign for renters & tenants
Review rental agreements, deposit terms, and termination — and know your rights and obligations.
Your rental agreement sets out how much you pay, how the deposit is used, under what conditions your tenancy can be ended, and what notice is required. It often also includes clauses on subletting, pets, or maintenance. BeforeYouSign breaks the contract into plain language and highlights non-standard or risky points — so you know what you are committing to and what to ask the landlord.
Why BeforeYouSign
Everything you need to understand a contract before you sign
Deposit, rent, and increases
You get a clear summary of the deposit amount, under what conditions it can be withheld, how rent is paid, and whether there are automatic rent increases or extra fees. That helps you avoid unpleasant surprises later.
Termination and notice
The conditions under which either party can end the tenancy, notice periods, and any penalties are critical. The tool extracts and explains them in plain language — so you know how to end the tenancy correctly and what to expect from the landlord.
Non-standard and risky clauses
Many agreements include restrictions on subletting, pets, repairs, or broad indemnification. The review highlights such clauses and explains why they matter and what to ask or request to change.
Related articles
Useful articles about contracts and your rights in plain language.
Deposit and Liability Clauses Explained
What security deposits and liability language in leases really mean for renters.
Read more →Lease Renewal and Rent Increases
What to check about renewal, notice, and how much the landlord can raise rent.
Read more →Repairs and Maintenance: Who Pays?
What to check in your lease about repairs, maintenance, and who is responsible for what.
Read more →Subletting and Assignment Clauses in Your Lease
What subletting and assignment mean—and when the lease allows or bans them.
Read more →Understanding Break Clauses in Your Lease
What break clauses mean—when you or the landlord can end the tenancy early and what to check.
Read more →5 Red Flags in Your Apartment Lease
Clauses in rental agreements that often favor the landlord and how to spot them.
Read more →
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