We know a thing or two about leasing apartments in Hattiesburg; after all we’ve been in the Mississippi apartment game for over 37 years! As part of that experience we’ve seen a lot, and that includes renters who miss the fine print and unintentionally break the rules of their lease agreement…without even knowing it.

While you may be saying to yourself, “I would definitely know if I was violating the rules of my lease!” are you really so sure? When you first lease an apartment you sign a long, detailed lease agreement that carefully lays out the rules, regulations and responsibilities for you as a tenant. From rent payment timelines to subletting procedures, be advised that legal document contains a lot of information on what is (and isn’t) acceptable at your rental.

To help you avoid costly fines, or at worse eviction, we have outlined a few of the less obvious ways that a renter could violate their apartment lease agreement. Be sure to avoid any of these actions, either all together or before you talk to your landlord/owner/property manager.

Apartments in Hattiesburg: How to Avoid Unintentionally Violating Your Lease

I Like to Grill Out…On My Balcony

It’s summertime, so who doesn’t love a burger or dog hot off the grill? While we would never tell you to avoid this enjoyable American pastime, we are just saying don’t do it on your apartment balcony.

Most every apartment lease contains restrictions about grilling equipment, and having them inside, or outside on your balcony is considered a serious fire hazard. Before loading the charcoal, check your lease to see if there is indeed specific language forbidding the use of grilling equipment.

I Have a Business…That I Run Out of My Apartment\

It’s fantastic that you are a business owner, but just as long as you aren’t running that business out of your apartments in Hattiesburg. If you are holding business meetings or assembling products or doing any tax-deductible business action in rental home, there is a very large chance you are violating the terms of your lease agreement. To be sure, check your lease for any and all clauses that discuss operating a home business from your rental unit.  

I Have a Guest…That Is Staying For a Few Months

We all love houseguests, but those staying long-term could possibly be in violation of your lease agreement. While it’s obvious that every lease has specific language on subletting a rental unit, it’s little known that apartments in Hattiesburg could care how long a guest stays.

In most apartment lease agreements there is language on the allowable amount of time a guest is allowed to stay in your rental unit. After a certain length of time these individuals are considered additional residents and, as such, would be asked to be legally added to the lease.

I Have a Car…That I Didn’t Register

Parking, it’s a wonderful amenity at most apartments in Hattiesburg. While it’s a bonus, it’s not always guaranteed at every community. Some apartment complexes have very limited parking and due to that will ensure all residents register their vehicles.

To that end, if you have a car that is unregistered, or belongs to ta guest that stays too long (see above), you could be in violation of your lease. Moral of the story? Always register that car.

I Have Recycling…That I Forgot to Sort

It’s 2017, and as such most apartments in Hattiesburg are progressive about their recycling techniques. While sorting recyclables is great or the environment, there are some cities where recycling is law – literal law.

If you don’t properly dispose of your recyclable materials you, through your landlord or owner, could be fined. Due to this leases in those cities will contain specific language pursuant to recycling properly. If you have questions about whether you live in a market that fines or not, make sure to ask.

Avoid Problems at Your Apartments in Hattiesburg – Always Ask First!

All of the above mentioned lease violations have one thing in common – they are all completely avoidable. If there is anything that you may question, the best course of action is to reach out to your landlord or property manager.

If you still have issues, or are seeking to find apartments in Hattiesburg, or possibly lease out your own, make sure to contact us at (601) 264-4622.

Sources

ApartmentGuide