Is my lease even legal???

Question

There is no lease term noted (i.e. 1 year lease, 2 year lease), the address to the apartment wasn't on the lease, the landlord's name was not on the lease, and the amount of security deposit wasn't on the lease.

I live in NYC...is this leagle, or should I dispute? I want to move out and get my secuity deposit because the apartment SUCKS.

Answer 1

NO -  a lease has to have the property address, the lease terms, the tenant's name, the agent/owners name, the rent amount, the deposit amount and all basic terms and conditions.

Answer 2

Use this as a learning experience. Anytime you have a contract in front of you, you can change what it says before you sign it (initial the changes).  I never knew that, when I was younger.  If the person who makes the lease doesn't agree to the changes you make, then you can either come to a compromise or find another place.  I agree with those who say you should regard it as a month-to-month lease, but that doesn't mean we're right.  The site about "renter's rights" sounds like a good place to start.  Most states, if you give 30 days notice, you won't be penalized for rent due after you move out.  

Some landlords try to pull a fast one and make you give up your security deposit if you don't live there a full year, too.  So make sure you read every detail - if there's nothing that says under what conditions you can get your deposit back, then you likely won't see it again if your landlord is that type.

If you come across a place to rent in the future, make sure the contract has the things on it that you feel it should have, like company name, address, apartment number, landlord name and phone number as well as mailing address, etc.  You are never under obligation to sign any contract that doesn't look right to you.  If the company refuses to make the lease the way you want it to be, you can either move on or you can back down - it will be solely YOUR decision.

Answer 3

Doesn't New York City or New York State provide a list of Renter's Rights or something like that?  Perhaps the link below may help you.

That's a weird arrangement you have with that lease...

Answer 4

was there any sort of verbal agreement with the landlord? that you would stay 1 year or two.

Answer 5

If the address and the landlord's info is not on the lease, then, no, I would say the lease isn't legal.

Answer 6

If there is no lease term specified  you can assume it is a month to month lease.

Give 30 days notice (or whatever notice requirement is in your lease)

Leave the apartment the same as you found it and there shouldnt be a problem getting your secuirty deposit back.