HOOK
Thinking about signing a lease? One bad clause—or one missing document—can turn a great apartment into a legal headache.
[Close-up of lease pages, apartment keys, and a tenant reading carefully.]
KEY POINT 1
First red flag: the landlord won’t give you a written lease. If it’s only a verbal agreement, you may have a harder time proving the rent, rules, or move-out terms if there’s a dispute.
[On-screen text: “Get it in writing.”]
KEY POINT 2
Second: the lease has vague or unfair fees. Watch for late fees with no amount listed, surprise “admin” charges, or language that lets the landlord change terms anytime. If it’s unclear, ask for it in writing before you sign.
[Highlight fee sections on a lease with a marker.]
KEY POINT 3
Third: the landlord won’t explain repairs, deposits, or entry rules. You want to know who fixes what, when your security deposit can be kept, and how much notice they must give before entering.
[B-roll of a leaky sink, security deposit check, and a “24-hour notice” note.]
CTA
If any of these show up, slow down before you sign. Read every page, ask questions, and if needed, check your state’s tenant rights rules or talk to a local legal aid office. A few minutes now can save you a lot later.
[On-screen text: “Read. Ask. Verify.”]
