Lease clauses that quietly hurt roommates
Pay close attention to joint-and-several liability, rent due dates and late charges, renewal, early termination, subletting, assignment, replacement tenants, occupancy, guests, utilities, repairs, attorney-fee language, and deposit terms.
The problem is often not that a clause is hidden. It is that roommates assume a private agreement changes what the landlord can enforce. It usually does not. Read the primary lease together before dividing the rent.
Ask for a written explanation of any term you do not understand. Do not rely on a leasing agent’s informal reassurance if the contract says something else. For a high-stakes clause, get local legal advice before signing.