First off, I must say that I do not have any knowledge about renting houses, estates or anything like that, so help me out here.
Here's my question. Me and about three to four of my friends are thinking about renting a house just over the three months of summer in 07, I've been doing some searches and what occured to me was that most of the lease terms of the houses are either six months or a year long (Of the rentals).
Suppose we moved into a house with six month lease terms and got out after living there for three months. Would there be any fee or any problems in terms of laws?
What are the general requirements of renting a house? In terms of age, income or anything like that.
Is there a house rental that's specifically laid out for summer lease?
These questions probably are general knowledge and common sense, but I wanted to make sure before moving in. Thank you.
First,you do not want to enter into any type of arrangement with anyone unless you are sincere about keeping the terms. Life happens and things can change but you do not want to start your adult life as a fraud. If you want others to keep their word to you then you want to keep your word to them.
It sounds like the area has typical leases for 6-12 months. However, houses are owned by people and, if you talk to them, they might be willing to take a shorter lease especially if you offer some incentive. For example, you might offer to pay a little more per month or even pay an extra month. Split up among your friends it might not be too big a price for a great summer house.
There are no standard leases. Though they follow general guidelines for a lease each is different and written to meet the needs of the landlord (and to a lesser degree, the tenant). Each landlord will have their own requirements as far as age and income and other factors as well. They may require your parents to act as co-signers. Again, there is no written in stone standard lease.
Also, you must read the entire lease and ask questions if you don't understand something. Don't assume anything. Leases are generally written by lawyers and have teeth in them. You and your friends do not want to endanger your credit or run afoul of any local laws or courts regarding breaking a lease.
Finally, you do not want anyone living there who is not on the lease with you and fully responsible for any damage they may do to the property.
If you break a lease you might be liable to pay for the whole year. Depending on the lease...I am sure the landlord of the place will take you to court. It is not worth the headache for either party.