Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, we have the legal expertise needed to explain the legal rights and obligations of both parties to prevent conflicts before they occur.  Considerations Before Renting or Leasing. 

Before signing any rental or lease agreement, you should have quality legal counsel review the terms of the lease.  Landlords must meet stringent legal requirements before leasing their property.  For example, certain mandatory disclosures, such as the existence of lead based paint, must be made to the tenant before the lease is signed.  Inspections must be made.  Strict requirements on certain fees and disclosures need to be followed. 

Mr. Pelkofer provides legal advice to landlords on, for example:

• how to choose quality tenants,
• the legal issues involved in the tenant application process,
• ensuring that your lease meets legal requirements and obligations (e.g., how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit or a late fee), and
• how to evict a tenant.

For tenants, Mr. Pelkofer can review the terms of the lease to ensure that the landlord has abided by his legal obligations and to minimize the tenants risks and obligations.  In addition, Mr. Pelkofer will review the tenant's application and other documents to ensure that the tenant's rights are being protected.   

Signing the Lease or Rental Agreement.

A lease agreement is a binding contract that defines the landlord's and tenant's rights and responsibilities.  It is imperative that landlords and tenants fully understand the terms and conditions of the lease before signing the agreement.  Mr. Pelkofer's expertise will help guide you through the various terms and conditions to ensure that you fully understand your legal rights and obligations under the agreement. 

During the Lease or Rental. 

Problems can arise once a tenant is late or fails to pay rent.  The landlord has several options including:

• late fees may be charged, if specified in the agreement,
• a returned check fee can be charged, if specified in the agreement,
• if the tenant's payment is late (beyond any grace period specified in the agreement), the landlord must give the tenant a written notice requirement payment of all past due rents, late fees and other charges;  if the tenant fails to make the required payments within 5 days of the date of this notice, the landlord may file a notice with the court to begin the eviction process.

 Tenant

We provide tenants legal advice on, for example,

• what to do if the landlord won't make necessary repairs,
• what to do if the landlord fails to maintain a habitable premises,
• our rights if you decide to terminate your lease,
• your rights if you have failed to pay the rent.