A written lease is your protection against any misunderstanding regarding rights, responsibilities and agreements concerning the property you are renting. It must accurately describe the rental unit you want to lease, the amount of the rent, when the lease begins and ends, and the landlord s rules and regulations. Make sure all blank spaces are filled in prior to signing the lease. The lease should contain the entire agreement. It is necessary to include all the conditions you want in the lease to avoid misunderstandings that can be costly to you.
Verbal agreements are almost impossible to enforce.
A written lease covering all requirements is the best protection. The fact that you are in the Armed Forces and can receive orders requiring you to move does not automatically release you from your lease. The military clause applies only to permanent change of duty station or release from active duty. Make sure it is included in your lease. In addition to the first month s rent, the largest expense facing most tenants when moving to a new home is the security deposit.