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A well-crafted lease agreement is the cornerstone of any tenant-landlord relationship. But what do you do if your lease doesn't cover a specific policy?
For instance, let's say you want to allow pets on your property. However, the original lease doesn't mention pets at all! The simplest solution is to add an addendum to rental agreement that covers your new pet policy.
Not sure how lease agreement addendums work in San Diego, CA? Here's all you need to know about these documents and how to use them!
What Is a Lease Agreement Addendum?
A lease agreement addendum is a document often used in conjunction with a lease. It allows landlords to address issues the lease doesn't cover. That way, you don't have to create an entirely new lease.
The main reason to use addendums is to address specific situations before they occur. A good rental contract modification lets your tenant know what to expect and offers a framework for resolving disputes.
Types of Lease Agreement Addendums
Rental policy updates can come in many types and cover a variety of issues. Some common lease agreement addendums include:
- Pet addendum: Outlines rules regarding pets on the property
- Smoking addendum: Allows or prohibits smoking on the property
- Utility addendum: Divides utility costs between landlord and tenant
- Security deposit addendum: Outlines your security deposit rules
- Parking addendum: Addresses parking arrangements for tenants
- Guest addendum: Specifies how long guests can stay
You can also use addendums to include legally required disclosures. This is essential for ensuring compliance with San Diego rental laws. Most of these disclosures involve environmental hazards like lead-based paint.
Adding an Addendum to a Lease Agreement
Before adding an addendum to the lease, discuss the changes with your tenant. If they agree, you'll take the following steps.
Create an Addendum Template
One of the best lease agreement addendum tips we can give you is to use an existing template. They're not hard to find online, and you can edit them to address your specific changes. Your template should include:
- Reference to the original lease agreement
- Confirmation that other lease terms will remain in effect
- Clear language detailing the new terms and additions
- Signature lines for the landlord and the tenant
Complete and Review the Addendum
Once you have the template, fill it out with the agreed-upon changes. Then, go through it carefully to ensure all the information is accurate. Get rid of any conflicting clauses between the addendum and the original lease.
Obtain the Tenant's Signature
All tenant-landlord agreements require signatures to be valid. Have your tenant sign the addendum and create copies for both parties. You can also consult a San Diego attorney to ensure the addendum is enforceable.
This Is How to Add an Addendum to Rental Agreement
Adding an addendum to rental agreement can be a complex task. Still, this is one of the best ways to avoid potential disputes with your tenants. The above guide will help you navigate this process as painlessly as possible!
Need professional help with rental agreement addendums? At Harland Property Management, we've been helping San Diego landlords like you for 18+ years! Contact us here for a free consultation!
