What if an owner wants to use their own lease?

The owner must use their own lease. The lease is a legal document between the owner and the tenant. The Lease Addendum provided by LHA amends the owner’s lease to guarantee that all HUD program regulations are followed. An owner may not have two leases for the same tenant.

What must be included in the lease? The lease must contain the following items:

1. The TERM of the initial lease of the assisted occupancy must be for one year. The term of the lease must be no more than a 12 month period. The lease must start with the first day of the HAP Contract (move-in date or inspection pass date, whichever occurred last). The lease must end on the last day of the previous month. Example: A lease that starts on 1-15-2012 must end 12-31-2012.

2. The RENT amount must be equal to the amount listed on the HAP Contract.

3. OWNER (landlord) NAME.

4. TENANT NAME(S)

5. The ADDRESS of the rental unit including an apartment number if applicable as well as city, state and zip code.

6. The lease must clearly state a RENEWAL CLAUSE specifying what happens after the initial 12 months. Example: The lease continues as a month-to-month or year-to-year renewable term.

7. UTILITIES. The lease must specify EACH utility that is to be paid for by the TENANT.

8. UTILITIES. The lease must specify EACH utility that is to be paid for by the OWNER. The Lincoln Municipal Code requires the owner to pay for garbage service for all apartments, duplexes, and single-family homes.

9. APPLIANCES. The lease must specify which appliances are provided by the TENANT. For example stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, disposal, microwave, washer, dryer, etc..

10. APPLIANCES. The lease must specify which appliances are provided by the OWNER.

11. The lease must be SIGNED by the OWNER and ALL adult TENANTS 18 years of age.