In the University area, many landlords now require the tenant to renew their lease as much as 5 months or 150 days before the end of the lease. This permits them to advertise vacancies for the next academic year prior to the end of the spring term. This is a good move for the landlord, but it could be awkward for the student who isn't sure about staying in the apartment another year or even returning to school the next year. A very early renewal deadline also means that the spring semester can be a series of landlord visits with prospective renters touring your humble abode. While not generally as picky about neatness as mom, visitors checking out your closet and bathroom can quickly become an ordeal.
Leases spell out the relationship and requirements for both the tenant and landlord.
Because the landlord chooses what the lease will say, it usually favors the landlord. If the tenant disagrees with some part of the lease, it should be discussed and may be modified or deleted by mutual agreement. Nothing said or agreed to orally will change any part of the lease unless it is in writing and signed by both parties. The court will use only the written lease to decide any legal action brought before it. If you do not agree to the entire document, do not sign it.