# LEASE CLAUSE RISK SCORECARD Residential · 12-month apartment · Reviewed 2026-06-28 **Overall risk: HIGH** — 3 clauses worth pushing back on before you sign. ## Flagged Clauses **1. Auto-renewal — HIGH** - Clause says: renews another 12 months unless written notice 90 days before end. - What this means: miss that window and you're locked in another full year. - What to ask for: 30-day notice, a reminder clause, or convert to month-to-month. **2. Late fee 10% + $50/day — HIGH** - Clause says: 10% of rent plus $50 for each day late. - What this means: daily fees compound fast and can dwarf the rent owed; this fee type is commonly regulated, so confirm locally. - What to ask for: 5-day grace period + a flat cap (e.g., 5% of one month's rent). **3. "As-is" / tenant repairs — MEDIUM** - Clause says: tenant accepts the unit as-is and handles all repairs. - What this means: shifts upkeep onto you; habitability protections commonly apply, so confirm locally. - What to ask for: strike "as-is"; landlord stays responsible for plumbing, heat, structure. ## Top 3 to fix before you sign 1. Cap the daily late fee. 2. Shorten the auto-renewal notice window. 3. Strike the as-is repair clause. ## Walk-away line They refuse to cap the daily late fees AND keep the 90-day renewal lock. ⚠️ Plain-English education + a negotiation checklist — NOT legal advice. Laws vary by state and change; have a licensed attorney review before signing.