Blog

After you sign a lease, you are bound to it? There are certain circumstances that may allow you to back out of a lease. In this article, we’ll take about how long after signing a lease you can back out.

Signing a lease agreement is a significant commitment that binds both landlord and tenant to fulfill their respective obligations for a specified period. However, certain circumstances may arise that make it necessary for a tenant to consider backing out of a lease. Generally, it is quite challenging to terminate a lease once it has been signed, but there are situations in which a tenant can legally do so. The specific conditions regarding the lease termination vary depending on the jurisdiction and terms outlined in the lease agreement itself. It’s important to review the lease agreement carefully and consult with legal professionals to understand your rights and obligations.

Common Factors That Affect a Tenant’s Ability To Back Out of a Lease after Signing

Here are some common factors that may affect a tenant’s ability to back out of a lease after signing:

Cooling off period: In some jurisdictions, there may be a cooling off period that allows tenants to cancel a lease shortly after signing which is typically within a few days. This period exists to protect tenants from making impulsive decisions and allows them to reconsider their commitment. The duration of the cooling-off period varies depending on local laws. In Oklahoma, there is no statutory cooling-off period or specific provision in state laws that allows tenants to back out of a lease within a certain period without consequences. So, once a tenant signs a lease agreement, it is generally considered a binding contract. Both parties are expected to fulfill their obligations unless there are specific provisions or circumstances outlined in the lease agreement that allow for early termination.

Lease Contingencies: Lease agreements often include contingencies that provide tenants with an opportunity to terminate the lease agreement under specific circumstances. These contingencies may cover situations like failure to secure financing, unexpected changes in employment, or unforeseen health issues. It is necessary to thoroughly review the lease agreement before signing and understand the contingencies outlined.

Early termination clauses: Some lease agreements also include early termination clauses that outline the conditions under which a tenant can terminate the lease agreement before the agreed-upon end date. These clauses usually require the tenant to provide advance notice, pay a penalty fee, or fulfill specific conditions outlined in the agreement. The tenants should carefully review the terms to understand the requirements and potential costs associated with early termination of the lease agreement if an early termination clause exists.

Mitigation of Damages: In situations where a tenant wishes to terminate the lease agreement early without an applicable clause or contingency, the landlords have a legal obligation to mitigate their damages. This means that the landlords must make reasonable efforts to find a new tenant to minimize the financial impact that is caused by the tenant seeking to terminate the lease. The tenant may still be responsible for paying rent until a replacement tenant is found, but their liability may be reduced by the new tenant’s rental payments.

Negotiation with the landlord: If a tenant finds themselves in situations where they might need to break the lease agreement, then it may be worth discussing the matter with the landlord directly. Establishing open communication and negotiating with the landlord may lead to mutually agreeable solutions like finding a new tenant, subletting, or reaching a compromise on lease termination terms. However, any changes to the lease agreement should be documented in writing and signed by both parties to avoid future disputes.

Different Ways A Lease Agreement Can Be Terminated

Cooling off period is not commonly included in the lease agreements, however, there are still circumstances where you can terminate a lease agreement.

State laws in Oklahoma allow tenants to break a lease but under certain circumstances.

There are some additional ways you can back out of a lease agreement.

Here are some ways a lease agreement can be terminated:

Military Service: The members of the military are protected by the service members civil relief act, which allows them to terminate a lease if they receive relocation orders. This applies to current military personnel, reserves, National Guard members, and even those who enlisted during the lease. Generally, 30 days’ notice is required and you would need to pay for the time you resided in the rental.

Domestic violence: Many states have laws that allow victims of domestic violence to break their lease without penalty. These laws typically require the tenant to provide appropriate documentation, such as a protective order or a police report, to prove the occurrence of domestic violence.

Tenant’s Death: In the unfortunate event of a tenant’s death, the lease agreement is generally terminated. However, specific procedures and obligations may vary depending on state laws and the terms outlined in the lease agreement.

Landlord’s Failures: If a landlord fails to fulfill their obligations, such as providing essential services like water, electricity, or heat, the tenant may have grounds to terminate the lease agreement. This typically requires the tenant to provide written notice to the landlord and allow a reasonable amount of time for the issues to be resolved before terminating the lease.

Stalking or Sexual Violence: Some states have laws that permit victims of stalking or sexual violence to terminate their lease agreements early. Similar to domestic violence situations, tenants may be required to provide appropriate documentation, such as a restraining order or a police report.

Job Relocation: If a tenant is required to relocate for work-related reasons, such as a job transfer or a new employment opportunity in a different location, they may be able to terminate their lease agreement. This often requires providing proper notice to the landlord and, in some cases, providing evidence of the job relocation.

School Enrollment: In certain circumstances, a tenant may be able to terminate a lease agreement if they need to move to attend a specific educational institution. This could include situations where a student gains admission to a college or university in a different city or country.

Medical or Family Reasons: Some jurisdictions may allow tenants to break a lease due to significant medical issues or family-related reasons. This could include situations where the tenant or a close family member requires long-term medical care or faces other compelling circumstances.

Landlord Harassment or Retaliation: If a landlord engages in harassment or retaliation against a tenant for exercising their legal rights, the tenant may have grounds to terminate the lease agreement. This can include actions such as unjustified rent increases, entering the rental unit without permission, or interfering with the tenant’s quiet enjoyment of the property.

Illegal Activities or Nuisances: If a landlord engages in illegal activities on the rental property or allows significant nuisances to persist, tenants may have the right to terminate the lease agreement. This typically requires providing appropriate notice to the landlord and, if necessary, involving local authorities to address the issues.

Conclusion

Backing out of a lease agreement after signing is generally more challenging than simply changing your mind. The lease agreements are legally binding contracts that require careful consideration before signing. While a cooling-off period is not commonly provided, there are circumstances where tenants may have recourse to terminate a lease.

The specific rules and options for lease termination vary depending on jurisdiction and the terms outlined in the lease agreement. Some common ways a lease can be terminated include a mutual agreement between the landlord and tenant, early termination clauses, lease violations by the landlord, specific legal protections such as military service or domestic violence situations, and other qualifying circumstances outlined by state or local laws.

Contact OKC Home Realty Services for any kind of queries regarding rental services. We offer houses for rent in OKC and neighboring metro areas.

FAQs

This article provides a guide on how to view and apply for a rental property with OKC Home Realty Services. It includes step-by-step instructions for viewing a property, applying for a rental property, and the qualifications needed to lease a property. Whether you are a first-time renter or a seasoned tenant, this guide can help you navigate the rental process with ease.

How to View a Property?

Want to view a property? Great. We can help you with that.

Step 1: Go to our website nicehome4u.com

Step 2: Click on the blue button on the top of the page that says “Houses for Rent in OKC”.

Step 3: Click on the blue button on the top of the page that says “Request Showing”.

Step 4: Scroll down to the property you want to view, and click on the blue button to the right that says request showing. Follow the directions.

How to Apply for a Property?

Step 1: Go to our website nicehome4u.com

Step 2: Click on the blue button on the top of the page that says “Houses for Rent in OKC”.

Step 3: Scroll down to the property that you would like to apply for. Click on the button that says “Apply Now”.

▶ You have the option to submit an application for the property at any time, but it’s best to view the property before you submit the application because application fees are non-refundable.

What is the Holding Deposit?

▶ The holding deposit is a deposit, the amount of the security deposit, to hold the property until the rest of the leasing process is complete.

▶ The only way you will lose your holding deposit is if we approve your application and then you change your mind.

What if you want to make sure no one rents the house from under you?

▶ If you want to make sure no one else beats you to the punch, just put down the security deposit once you are approved. We cannot hold the property unless we have the deposit.

Here Also Take a look at our Security Deposit Waiver Program and Pet Policy!

Qualifications to Lease a Property from OKC Home Realty Services

The qualifications to rent a property from OKC Home Realty Services can be summarized as income, background check, and landlord reference.

• Your monthly take-home pay must be at least 3 times the amount of the rent. The quickest way to get verification of income is to submit your most recent 2 pay stubs, award letter, or income taxes.
• We take section 8, but not on every property. To find out if we would take section 8 on the house you are interested in, check the website. If you are receiving housing assistance, submit that voucher when you apply. If approved, you will need to bring the original copy to our office with your holding deposit.
• We’ll check your rental reference. We do require a reference from most current landlords, and possibly your landlord prior to that as well. So you will need to provide your landlord’s contact information (cell phone and email) in the application. 
• The background check is several parts. One is the credit check. We don’t necessarily require a certain score, but it is taken into careful consideration, and it weighs into the decisions we make regarding screening. We also pull information from other sources about civil or criminal court filings. This shows such things as felonies, misdemeanors, evictions, etc. If you have a felony, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. People make mistakes. They shouldn’t have to pay for them for the rest of their lives.

Process of Getting Approved For Property

Step 1: Complete the Rental Application

• You’ll need to complete a rental application. To fill in an online application, apply for the property, and submit your details.
• You’ll need to provide proof of your income. The most recent pay stubs from your work can provide that verification.
• You’ll need to have your landlord’s reference from the last year.

Step 2: Allow time for processing.

How long will it take?

We’ll get it done just as soon as possible.

Sometimes it takes longer if your landlord is slow in getting back to us with a rental reference.

We promise not to leave you hanging. We’ll get you a yes or no answer just as soon as we can.

Step 3: Sign a lease, and get the keys to move in.

As soon as you are approved, we will prepare the lease for electronic signing.

By doing so, you can carefully review the lease on your timetable, and sign it when you are ready. 

FAQs

Moving can be an expensive endeavor, especially if you’re relocating to a new city or state. Long-distance moving companies may charge hundreds, even thousands of dollars for the labor and transportation involved in packing up your belongings and transporting them to a distant destination. Other costs that might be associated with relocation include renting temporary storage or paying for fuel and lodging for those on the move. Additionally, packing materials and supplies such as boxes and tape are necessary components when it comes to transporting household items safely, adding to the overall cost of moving.

Not only that, but you have to pay the first month’s rent at your new property, plus a security deposit to move in. Then, you have deposits on multiple utilities. Very expensive!

In times like these, every little bit helps.

What is the Security Deposit Waiver Program?

The Security Deposit Waiver Program is a service offered by OKC Home Realty Services, LLC that allows customers to get past the upfront cost of a security deposit. The program allows those who might struggle to come up with the money for a security deposit in conjunction with a move when there are so many other demands on your pocketbook. This provides peace of mind for both residents and owners.

How Does the Security Deposit Waiver Program Work?

To help ease that burden, OKC Home Realty Services, LLC is offering a new program that allows prospective residents to move into a property without paying some or all of the security deposit.

For the privilege of not paying some or all of the security deposit (equal to one month of rent), the resident pays a non-refundable monthly payment based on the amount of the security deposit it offsets and a factor based on credit score. In general, the higher the credit score, the lower the factor.

For example:
Suppose you are leasing a property for $1,000 per month.
The security deposit would then be $1,000.
Let’s say your credit score is 725. 
Your non-refundable monthly payment would therefore be 0.03 x $1,000, or $30.
If the credit score were 623 your non-refundable monthly payment would be 0.05 x $1,000, or $50. 

If you have any queries, then contact us at 4052325800

Also, Check out our Pet Policy: Nicehome4u Pet Policy

FAQs

Getting a good home for rent is everyone’s biggest wish. But sometimes we miss out on good homes because of rental application forms. Good homes attract a lot of rental application and the landlord filter out the best possible tenants based on their forms. So, it is absolutely vital for us to fill out the rental application form properly. Properly filling out the form will make you outstand other applicants. There are a few checklists that are very important for the landlord and we must carefully fill out those. A rental application form is something that should not be rushed while filling out. Chances are, you end up filling wrong details while rushing your application. This article will focus on the most important checklists on a rental application form. 

Rental Application Form Checklists

Every landlord uses their own rental application form, but all of them include these vital checkpoints.

1. Personal Information 

One of the first things we see in any kind of form is personal details. This section is used to verify the identity of the applicant. This helps the landlord to verify the identity of the applicant. Also, it gives an idea about who the applicant is. This section of the form generally includes the applicant’s name, social security number, phone number, government-issued ID, and details about other occupants. Also, details of your Co-signer should be mentioned on the form. These details should always be correct. Putting in the wrong details will be a fraudulent activity and you strictly want to avoid it. 

2. Residence History   

The applicant is required to provide details about their current residence. Every landlord wants to know details regarding the current residence of their probable tenant. This is an important part of the tenant screening process and the landlord will ask for your previous residence history. This section of the form consists of details such as your current residence, move-in and move-out dates, your current landlord name, and contact number for reference purposes. The form could also ask you about your reason to move out of your current residence. They will also ask for references from your previous landlords to check your residential history.

3. Employment & Income Information    

This is one of the most important parts while filling out the rental application form. Every landlord wants to verify whether the tenant can pay the rent or not. Whether they earn enough money to afford the house/apartment or not. This section generally includes questions regarding your current employer, your estimated income, and your current position. A landlord would want someone with a steady source of income. So, make sure you fill out the correct information regarding your income sources because sometimes they might call your employer and verify your details and you do not want to be wrong about it. 

4. Pets & Vehicles

Tenants that have vehicles or pets have to specify clearly about that. Most houses only have enough parking for 2 vehicles so it is absolutely necessary for the tenants to specify the number of vehicles they own. So, the landlord can verify if there is enough parking space available for the tenants. Also, regarding pets, some people are allergic to certain types of animals and animal furs so they need to know beforehand about the pets you have. Also, in some states, it is illegal to keep certain animals as pets. So, if you own something like that, you need to specify it clearly on the rental application form. Also, some houses/apartments allow only small dogs and cats and some have a strict “No Pets Policy”. 

5. Miscellaneous

The miscellaneous section may include things such as any previous legal case against you. This section might also ask whether or not you have filed for bankruptcy. It might also ask if you have any water-based furniture like a water bed or an aquarium. Some landlords ask questions regarding your smoking habits. If there are some asthma or other breath-related tenants sharing the property, then that can be an issue. 

Things To Consider While Filling Out A Rental Application Form

Now that you know about the questions and sections a rental application form has and what kind of details the form expects, we move on further to things to consider while filling out a rental application form. Keep in mind these points while filling out a rental application form.

1. Fill Out The Details Honestly

An honest application form is always the best one. You should not fill out fake details in your form to please the landlord. Sooner or later, they are going to find out about it and it might even lead to legal disputes because of deceitful information. Make sure, to be honest about things that are mentioned on the form. Most landlords run a credit check and confirm the details on the form.

2. Provide Authentic Documents

Many applicants provide fake documents to stand out among others. But keep in mind that the landlord will do a check on your document and upon finding that your documents are fake, your application can be terminated. In worst cases, you can also be legally charged for presenting faulty documents. So, make sure to provide authentic documents. Attach the necessary documents with the form. Documents such as salary slips and rent payment history. Some landlords also ask for bank statements for rental applications.

3. Pay the Application Fee

Pay the mentioned rental application fee. Most application fees are in the range of $30 to $50. This is mandatory for all applicants and must be paid at the time of the rental application form submission.

4. Prepare Good References

It’s all about having good references. If you can present good references from your previous landlords, you can have an edge over other applicants. If you have a good record from your previous landlord, it will make it easier for you to get a good impression. Provide proper details of your previous landlords, some Renters like to call and verify your claims.

5. Wait Patiently

After doing all the necessary steps, all you can and should do is wait. You should not constantly call the landlord and disturb them. Sometimes, it takes more than a week to go through and verify all the details from several applicants. So, make sure to give some time and patiently wait for a call. If you have a good application form, you have nothing to worry about. It’ll just be a matter of time before you receive an acceptance call from the landlord. 

Reasons Why a Rental Application Could Be Denied

Out of so many applications, only a few are shortlisted for the final stage. Most of the applications are rejected. But why don’t the applications don’t make the cut? Well, here are some of the most common reasons a rental application is denied by the landlord.

1. Inadequate Income

One of the most common reasons your rental application will be rejected is insufficient income. The landlord evaluates your current income and compares it with the rental price. If they think that you cannot afford the rental, they straight reject your rental application form. No one wants a tenant who cannot afford the rent. 

2. Bad Credit Report

Landlords will run a credit check and find out about your credit report. If you have bad credit, then your application will be rejected. You should be able to prove your financial security to the landlord. And a bad credit report reflects totally opposite of that. However, if you could offer a big security deposit to the landlord, there are chances you can still make the cut. Or, you could find a roommate or a co-signer. 

3. Eviction History

If you have a bad history of evictions, no landlords will want you. After such a long process of selecting a tenant, no one would want their property to be vacated soon again. So, they will most likely avoid people who have a history of early vacating a property. Also, if you’ve had a bad eviction resulting due to disputes, your application is likely to be rejected because landlords would not like someone who causes trouble.

4. Average References

While listing out references, make sure to put the best possible references. It is the best practice to list out your previous landlords, your mentor, or your employer in the reference. These references make strong statements compared to putting references of friends or other irrelevant references. Also, make sure they put in good words about you. 

5. Faulty Information

It is a no-brainer that you should not put in wrong and faulty information on your rental application form. Landlords run a background check of your information and upon finding that you have put in the wrong information they will immediately reject your application. Putting in the wrong information on the rental application is fraudulent activity. Sometimes, people unintentionally write wrong information so it is absolutely necessary to recheck your form for any mistakes. 

6. Someone else got the rental

Sometimes despite doing everything right, your application could still be rejected. The reason being, that someone else got the deal. You can do nothing about it. Upon reviewing forms, the landlord could come across a really good tenant and they could grab the deal. Sometimes, the tenant withdraws from the deal and you could get the deal.

Contact Property Management OKC if you have any queries related to property management or you can call us Mon – Fri from 9 am – 5 pm.

FAQs

This article presents the OKC Home Realty Services pet policy. This is relevant to anyone who is applying to lease a property, or to an existing resident who wants to add an additional pet.

Do All Properties Managed by OKC Home Realty Services Allow for Pets?

No. It depends upon the property. Most do. If it is an advertised rental, it should specify in the advertisement on the website www.nicehome4u.com. Or, if you want to add a pet, contact the management company to inquire.

What breeds of dogs are allowed? 

For properties that allow for pets, it depends. You have to refer to the specifics of the advertisement. We manage properties for a number of different owners, and the types of allowable breeds vary. For example, we have some properties that allow any breed of dog, as long as the individual dog is not aggressive and as long as having that dog on the property doesn’t violate any city ordinances.

But most commonly, we have a weight limit that dictates the breed which would work for an individual property.

What is the weight limit?

For properties that have just one flat pet fee, there is a uniform weight limit of 30 pounds per pet. If it is a younger dog, the weight limit would include the weight of the full-grown pet.

How does OKC Home Realty Services screen pets?

We use a service called petscreening.com in cases other than the same flat fee for all pets. It takes into account all the information about your pet and places it on a scale of 1 to 5 paws.

How about fish and birds?

For fish, a standard pet fee would apply to any tank larger than 1 gallon. There is a maximum volume of 20 gallons for any individual aquarium. And, a limit of one aquarium. 

Standard pet fees apply to birds.

What about service animals?

Service animals are not considered to be pets, in accordance with Fair Housing Laws.

How much are pet fees?

For properties that have just a flat fee, the pet fee is $300 per pet. That is a non-refundable fee.

For properties that use pet screening, and allow any pet within reason, an administrative monthly fee is charged. The monthly fee is based on the pet screening score obtained from petscreening.com. Here are the monthly fees:

Note: These monthly fees are non-refundable.

When you own a new home, the dream of having a lush green front yard is real. To achieve your dream landscape, that comes with several installations. A sprinkler system is one.

While the system comes with potential costs like acquisition, installation, maintenance, and repairs, its benefits override the cons. However, you must make sure that it is installed properly. We’ve heard horror stories of major water damage done to properties. Selling a flood-damaged house is not a fun experience. In any case, we are here to discuss the benefits of having a sprinkler system that works properly at your house.

Reasons for Adding Sprinkler System

Here are some of the reasons why you should add a sprinkler system to your front yard and keep your grass greener.

To Evenly Water Your Lawn

A sprinkler system hydrates your lawn evenly. Your yard gets the best water coverage since each nozzle is perfectly placed to distribute equal amounts of water within its radius. Other systems of irrigation may not evenly distribute water across your yard.

That is because if your yard has slopes and the water is not well distributed, it could flow and saturate some areas while leaving others dry. Once you place the sprinklers strategically, its automated system will work like magic for you. This is more efficient than having to hand water or use a hose to water your yard.

Convenience

Hand watering a yard is exhaustive. It is also time-consuming, especially if your front yard is large. If age or bad health is catching up with you, you will find a sprinkler system very convenient.

Most sprinkler systems are automated and will take care of your yard even when you are away doing errands or spending time with your family and friends. You can even set that up to weekly or biweekly. If the season is wet, you will stop the system until it gets arid.

Saves You Money

Beyond the convenience of saving your time, a sprinkler system saves you money. Hose or hand watering will consume unnecessary amounts of water.

If you want to drench your yard with water, and all you have is a hose or watering can be prepared to pay hefty utility bills. Programmable sprinkler systems are great as they water automatically without exceeding the required levels, thanks to the optimal time setup.

Frees Your Yard From Fungi And Weeds

In the front yard of your house, you may have a blend of flower beds, lawns, and a vegetable garden. It is normal for fungi and weeds to creep in. Plant diseases may also attack your garden.

The easiest way to prevent that is watering with a sprinkler system. Fungi and diseases attack when droplets of water collect and stagnate on leaves. The sprinkler delivers water with pressure, which doesn’t stand but goes deep into the ground. Hand watering floods some patches on the ground. Water collects and becomes a breeding ground for pests and diseases.

Adding Your Home’s Resale Value

A well-designed sprinkler system can add to your home in terms of resale value. Other than the value of the installations, the system makes your garden and lawns attractive and healthy. If you want to sell your home, the value will be higher. Every potential buyer is attracted by the exterior design and beauty before they get to the interiors.

Conclusion

Adding a sprinkler system to your front yard offers you many benefits. These range from aesthetic to financial benefits. You will find it more convenient than spending time working exhaustively on your yard with hoses and a watering can. The results of using a sprinkler system are excellent as you will have a healthier and plush lawn with a higher value.