When listing your condo for rent with a Miami real estate agent, it is essential to understand the contract to lease. The contract to lease is used in most rental deals involving real estate agents in the Miami area. This article will help you understand what it is.
In this article:
What is a contract to lease?
The contract to lease is an agreement between the lessor and lessee that determines the conditions of an actual lease; it acts as an offer from the prospective tenant. The contract to lease is drafted by the Florida Realtors Association and Florida BAR to set a standard for how real estate agents submit offers on behalf of tenants to landlords.
What is in the contract to lease?
The contract to lease sets the conditions and terms for the actual Florida lease. In addition to the property's address and the parties involved (the tenant and landlord), the following items may be in a contract to lease:
A deadline for the lease agreement to be signed
Who will prepare the lease
The deposit amount shows the intention of entering into a lease
Details about the property
The lease term
Money due before occupancy
Rent payment information
Utilities
Maintenance (what the landlord and tenant will be responsible for maintaining and repairing)
Association approval information such as who will pay the fee and the deadline to make an application
Agent's involved in the deal
See a copy of an actual contract to lease below.
Is a contract to lease the same as an actual lease?
No, a contract to lease is not the same as an actual lease. A lease is a legal document that establishes the lease terms and conditions between a landlord and tenant. In contrast, a contract to lease is an agreement between the landlord) and tenant that outlines the specific terms and conditions in the actual lease agreement.
Is the contract to lease legally binding?
The contract to lease is meant to be legally binding. However, the lease supersedes the contract to lease, so if provisions of the lease conflict with the provisions of the contract to lease, the conditions in the lease will be in control.
Suppose the tenant fails to perform the promises of the contract. In that case, the landlord may retain the deposit paid by the tenant as liquidated damages. If the landlord fails to perform any promises, the tenant may receive their deposit.
From my experience, in most cases in Miami, the contract to lease is only used to represent an offer and typically doesn't become a legal matter. Many real estate agents enter that a deposit will be paid "upon acceptance of offer" or "upon lease signing" to protect their client's deposit in the case that they change their minds before signing a lease.
Conclusion
Miami is a hot spot for real estate, and many people are looking to rent condos and apartments. When you're ready to list your Miami property, it's essential that you understand the contract to lease and what it entails. This will help protect you in case of any misunderstandings with potential tenants. Ensure you have an experienced real estate agent who can help you draft or review the contract to lease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a contract to lease?
A contract to lease is an agreement between the lessor and lessee that establishes the conditions of an actual lease. It serves as an offer from the prospective tenant. It is drafted by the Florida Realtors Association and Florida BAR to set a standard for submitting offers on behalf of tenants to landlords.
What's in the contract to lease?
The contract to lease includes the property's address, the parties involved, a deadline for signing the lease agreement, who will prepare the lease, deposit amount, details about the property, lease term, money due before occupancy, rent payment information, utilities, maintenance responsibilities, association approval information, and agents involved in the deal.
Is a contract to lease the same as an actual lease?
No, a contract to lease is not the same as an actual lease. A lease is a legal document that establishes the terms and conditions of the rental agreement. In contrast, a contract to lease outlines the specific terms and conditions that will be included in the lease agreement.
Is the contract to lease legally binding in Florida?
Yes, a contract to lease is binding in Florida. The contract to lease establishes the terms and conditions of the rental agreement between the landlord and tenant. While the lease itself supersedes the contract to lease, the provisions of the contract to lease are generally legally enforceable. It's important to carefully review and understand the terms outlined in the contract to lease before signing it, as it can have legal implications for both parties involved.
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