Final answer:
Tenants usually need to provide identification, proof of income, rental history, credit report, and a background check to secure a rental property. The termination clause in a rental agreement should be clear and concise, as mandated by the Plain Writing Act of 2010, to avoid any confusion for tenants during stressful situations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When securing a rental property, tenants are typically required to provide certain documents to the landlord or property manager to verify their identity, income, rental history, and creditworthiness. These documents often include:
- Identification: A government-issued ID such as a driver's license or passport.
- Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs, tax returns, or an employer's letter.
- Rental History: References from previous landlords or rental agreements.
- Credit Report: A report detailing the tenant's credit history and score.
- Background Check: A report that may include criminal, employment, and rental history checks.
The Plain Writing Act of 2010 aims to ensure that all government communication is clear and understandable. This extends to legal documents like rental agreements, which should be written in a straightforward manner to avoid confusion and anxiety for tenants, especially during potentially stressful situations such as breaking a lease.
In the given rental agreement excerpt, the termination clause can be clarified to enhance comprehension and make it more tenant-friendly. An example of a simplified version could read:
Termination of Lease: After the lease ends, it will automatically renew month-to-month. Either the tenant or the landlord can end the lease with a 30-day written notice. If local laws require a specific reason for termination ('just cause'), it must be stated clearly in the notice. To complete the termination process, the tenant must remove all their possessions and return keys and any other items provided by the landlord. If the tenant does not move out on time, they may have to pay extra rent and possibly compensation for the landlord's potential loss of new tenants.