A lease should help you understand what to expect in your home, not leave you feeling confused, stressed, or overwhelmed. But many renters are handed long documents filled with legal language, unclear fees, and clauses that can be easy to miss. Some of those clauses may be harmless, while others can be serious warning signs that could put your housing, your finances, or your safety at risk.
Before you sign, renew, or try to make sense of a lease you already have, take a moment to look for a few common red flags. Below are examples of what to watch for and what they could mean for you as a renter.
The landlord isn’t responsible for repairs.
This is one of the biggest red flags. If your lease says that the landlord isn’t responsible for fixing things like heating, plumbing or essential repairs, that’s a problem. Having a safe and livable home isn’t optional, and shifting that responsibility onto a tenant is a common way that landlords avoid accountability.
If something is broken or you’re being told it’s “not their problem,” trust your gut.
What can you do?
- Keep all records of repair requests.
- Take photos and videos of any unsafe or problematic conditions.
- Call (404) 591-0970 to start your intake process with AVLF and get legal guidance.
Our team can help you understand what landlords are required to fix, even if the lease says otherwise.
Fees that aren’t clear or keep changing.
Random or excessive fees can add up fast, especially at a time where money may already be tight as renters are juggling rising rent costs, utilities, and everyday expenses. If fees appear without explanation, change from month to month, or don’t match what’s written in your lease, that’s a red flag.
What can you do?
- Ask for a written explanation of your lease terms and any additional fees being charged.
- Keep copies of your payment history, including billing statements.
- Visit AVLF’s Housing Court Assistance Center (HCAC) to review your lease terms and get help understanding which fees might be legitimate and which ones may be a problem.
Our HCAC staff can help you figure out what you’re actually responsible for before surprise fees turn into late notices or eviction threats. Remember to bring a copy of your lease and any documents that help explain your fees and terms.
Confusing eviction or termination clauses.
If your lease talks about eviction or termination in a way that feels vague, aggressive or hard to understand, that might be a red flag. Some leases use intimidating language to make it seem like an eviction can happen instantly, even when that is not how the process works.
What can you do?
- Don’t assume eviction is immediate or final. There is a legal process that must happen before you can be officially evicted.
- Keep any notices or papers you receive from the landlord, property management, or the court.
- Get help as early as possible, especially if you receive anything that mentions a court date, a demand for possession, or an eviction filing.
If you are unsure what a notice means, bring it to HCAC or email evictions@avlf.org to speak with our staff.
Catching red flags early can save you time, money, and stress later. If you are being charged unexpected fees, dealing with unsafe conditions, or worried about eviction language in your lease, it is worth asking questions now.
AVLF can help you understand your options and connect you to resources. Call (404) 591-0970 to begin the intake process, or visit our Housing Court Assistance Center (HCAC) for help reviewing your lease and documents.