In some instances, people rely on lease assignments instead of acquiring brand-new properties. This is due to various reasons like flexibility, and less hassle in opening a property contract. If you are aiming for a short-term, less-hassle lease, this might be the best option for you. In this article, we’re going to tackle the pros and cons of taking over a lease apartment. This will also give you sufficient knowledge about lease takeover that you might need if you are planning on getting engaged with this.
What is Lease Take Over?
A lease takeover means having another person continue your contract stated in the lease agreement you’ve signed. This means that a new tenant is going to take over your apartment and is now responsible for the lease remainder. Any obligations from the previous tenant will be passed down to the individual who’s going to take over the property. That may include:
Lease Transfer Agreement
This refers to the terms where the meeting of minds of the tenant, landlord, and third party. The new tenant should agree to the terms and conditions set during the meeting. The document to be signed should include the date that the transfer takes place, the rent amount, the lease duration, and others.
Liability for Rent and Damages
Once the lease takeover is fully approved, the responsibilities are to be passed under the control of the new tenant.
- Security Deposit
The security deposit may vary depending on the lease agreement. In some cases, the original tenant may demand a refund if the takeover will be approved by the landlord.
- Fees and Costs
The new occupant should expect administrative fees in the processing of the lease takeover. These conditions should be discussed and outlined during the lease agreement.
- Lease Terms and Conditions
The new tenant generally agrees to the terms and conditions implemented before they came. This involves rent amount, lease duration, and any other clauses outlined in the original lease.
Pros and Cons of Lease Takeovers in Apartments
Judging whether a lease takeover is more of an advantage or disadvantage depends highly on each circumstance. It depends on your personal circumstances, preference, and priorities. Below is a list of some common pros and cons that you might want to consider before getting yourself engaged in taking over a lease apartment.
Pros
What is a Lease Takeover for an Apartment?
Immediate Availability
It’s so much easier to move in into a new apartment once you are under lease takeover. Compared to the process of starting a new lease, it’s quicker to move in since the vacancy of the apartment is guaranteed.
Potentially Lower Costs
In most lease takeover cases, this choice can be advantageous. The previous tenant’s security deposit might be beneficial for you, depending on the lease agreement you’re in. This allows the new tenant to get low upfront costs.
Avoid Application Process
Upon choosing lease takeovers, you might be able to skip the hassle of the usual process of screening that is required if you are a new tenant. By this, you can move into the new apartment bypassing the natural process.
Furnished Spaces
In some cases, items of furniture from the previous tenant may be inherited by the one who’s going to take over the lease. This lessens the expense of setting up new furniture.
Cons
What is a Lease Takeover for an Apartment?
Communication Challenges
In some cases, communication among the landlord, previous tenant, and current tenant may get complex leading to misunderstanding in some apartment terms and policies.
Limited Control
The new occupant may find himself in a tight spot when it comes to condition control. The conditions set by the landlord and the previous tenant are bound to the new occupant leaving him unpowerful for negotiation.
Background Check Issues
If the new occupant has some bad background record, this might be a hindrance to a smooth lease takeover. There might be an approval difficulty if this is the case.
Potential Inconvenience
Since you will seem like a second-hand user of the apartment, you might have to deal with the issues that arise from the previous apartment occupant.
Lease Takeover in Apartment
Taking over a lease apartment is a win for everyone involved. The current tenant can move out without undergoing penalty and on the other hand, the new occupant can move in bypassing the hassle process of screening. Here are some steps on how taking over a lease is done.
- Visit the apartment
- Get the landlord’s consent
- Ask about the utility
- Write it into a formal document
- Thoroughly review the actual lease
Apartment Lease Take Over Vs. Sublease
Sublease is different from a lease takeover. The documents signed in this are not interchangeable. Taking over a lease means having the remainder of the lease agreement transferred to a new tenant from the previous tenant with the consent of the landlord. Once the apartment is fully transferred, the previous owner no longer has anything to do with the landlord and new tenant.
On the other hand, subleasing is an act of rental arrangement where you transfer a portion of your rental property to the new tenant. You’ll still keep in touch with the landlord with your obligations and responsibility. This will still undergo with the approval of the landlord.
What are the Risks of Taking Over a Lease Apartment?
In taking over a lease, some of the few risks include issues in financial responsibility, liability for damages, lease termination, lack of control, and having to deal with a property from a person with a shady background.
Conclusion
If you are someone who’s trying to get out of your lease agreement due to some reasons, finding a new tenant who’s interested in taking over your apartment’s lease is a good option for you. On the other hand, if you are one who would like to consider taking over a property, it’s just wise to acquire sufficient knowledge first before jumping right away. Eagle Property Management offers a helping hand for you to gain ideas about topics like this.
Recent Comments