Common use of Length of Lease Clause in Contracts

Length of Lease. Section 4 (A) of the Attorney General’s model lease establishes the Initial Rental Period the tenant has a right to occupy the premises. During this lease term, assuming the tenant does not breach the lease, the landlord may not increase the rent nor evict the tenant. On the other hand, if the tenant is evicted for breach of the lease or leaves the residence before the end of the lease term then the tenant will be responsible for however many months of rent remain unpaid and also for any damage to the premises.1 If the tenant does unjustifiably move before the lease has expired the landlord must make a good faith effort to find a new tenant to rent the premises. The amount of rent this new tenant pays will then be subtracted from the amount the departing tenant owes.2