Complete Book of Real Estate Leases (+CD-ROM) »

Mark Warda received his law degree from the University of Illinois in Champaign. He practiced law in Clearwater, Florida, and then gave up a busy law practice to publish self-help law books. He has written or co-authored many self-help law guides, including How to Negotiate Real Estate Contracts and Landlords' Rights and Duties in Florida. Mr. Warda continues to write in Clearwater, Florida.

Explains the clauses contained in real estate leases in simple language

Using Self-Help Law Books -

Introduction -

Chapter 1: The Landlord's Position -
- Mom-and-Pop Landlords
- Rent Control
- Bad Faith and Unconscionable Leases
- Severability
- The Best Strategy
- Parties to the Lease
- Tenants' Leases

Chapter 2: The Tenant's Position -
- Concessions
- Unconscionable or Unenforceable Leases
- Lawsuit and Judgments
- Personal Liability

Chapter 3: The Art of Negotiating -
- Best/Worst
- Need versus Position
- Understanding the Other Side
- Emotional Involvement with the Deal
- Taking Things Personally
- Starting Position
- Turning the Tables
- Your Last Shot

Chapter 4: Federal Laws -
- Lead-Based Paint Notice Law
- Discrimination

Chapter 5: State and Local Laws -
- Landlord/Tenant Statutes
- Security Deposit Laws
- Discrimination
- Access
- Rent Control
- Liability
- Maintenance
-Repair and Deduct
- Disclosure
- Water Beds
- Language
- Utilities
- Radon
- Asbestos
- Termination
- Forms
- Other Laws

Chapter 6: Lease Basics -
- Lease versus Rental Agreement
- Evictions

Chapter 7: Basic Lease Clauses -
- Parties, Property, Consideration, Agreement
- Payment
- Security Deposits
- Severability
- Attorney's Fees
- Jury Waiver
- Waiver
- Abandonment
- Subordination
- Surrender of Premises
- Alterations and Improvements
- Recording
- Access
- Entire Agreement
- Locks

Chapter 8: Residential Lease Clauses -
- Term
- Rent
- Discounted Rent
- Default
- Utilities
- Maintenance
- Use
-Assignment
- Condominium
- Lawn
- Liability
- Pets
- Occupancy
- Tenant's Appliances
- Parking
- Liens
- Water Beds
- Holdover by Tenant
- Damage to Premises
- Furnishings
- Pest Control

Chapter 9: Commercial Lease Clauses -
- Premises
- Term
- Rent
- Rent Adjustments
- Renewal
- Taxes
- Use of Premises
- Environmental Laws
- Competing Businesses
- Parking Areas
- Signs and Advertising
- Maintenance and Repair
- Utilities
- Liability
- Insurance
- Fire or Casualty
- Eminent Domain
- Assignment and Subletting
- Default and Remedies
- Notices
- Mechanics' or Construction Liens
- Fixtures
- Guarantee
- Miscellaneous Clauses for the Landlord
- Miscellaneous Clauses for the Tenant

Chapter 10: Storage Space Leases -

Glossary -

Appendix A Lead-Based Paint Pamphlet -

Appendix B Blank Forms -

Index -