PLAIN ENGLISH LEASES
© 1991-2000 by Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc.
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WHAT IS PLAIN ENGLISH?

        The words used in a lease should have every day meanings that people today are accustomed to. Landlords must use leases that their tenants will be able to read and understand without difficulty. The law requires that every written residential lease entered into by a landlord and a tenant be written in plain English, clearly and organized in a manner that is easy to follow.

IS PRINT SIZE IMPORTANT?

        Yes! The print size in a lease should be large enough so that the lease can be read easily. You should not have to use a magnifier or other instrument in order to read it. The law requires that print size be no less than 8 points in depth. A sample of 8 point print size is shown in the box below.

__________

Landlord Agrees Not to Discriminate Based
Upon Race, Creed, National Origin, Sex,
Age, Handicap, Membership
__________

    If the print size of your lease is smaller that what is shown in the box above, it is too small.

WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY LEASE?

        If you have questions about your lease or would like your lease reviewed, you may

contact the Housing Unit of Neighborhood Legal Services, Inc. at 847-0650. The Housing Unit accepts a limited number of calls every day, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. If you do not have a copy of your lease, you should get a copy from your landlord.

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