What are my options with this lease agreement?

Question

Our current lease is not up until October. However, the landlord is moving to Mexico and wanted us to sign a new lease early. We told her that with gas prices and everything, we don't know how long we will be able to continue living out there (in the country) and didn't want to sign another full year lease at this point. We didn't mind doing 6 months, but not a full year. She said we had to sign the full year or they would raise the rent. But that we could re-evaluate the lease in 9 months. Feeling trapped, we signed it.

We went out of town for the weekend and she left our copy of the lease inside the house. She added to it AFTER we signed it. It says that we will "Re-evaluate after 9 months. 2 months notice to terminate." The part about two monts was added AFTER we signed it.

Also, she dated the new lease for the day we signed it, but it doesn't go into effect until Oct. Is it still valid?

I don't like the tactics she's using. Am I stuck?

Answer 1

You have a problem. Although you are not be bound by any terms added after the lease is signed, it will be difficult to prove that she did so, unless she admits it and you have proof.

To prevent this, you should have insisted on receiving a copy of the executed lease immediately after signing.

Yes, the two of you can sign a lease today for tenancy in the future. It is valid.

No, there is no time frame in which to change your minds unless the lease has a provision to that effect.