You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Lets be honest every landlord wants to avoid dealing with delinquent tenants at all costs. In order to buy a home in the United States, immigrants may be able to obtain a variety of options. Consider a case where a property management firm were threatened with a lawsuit for demanding an applicants social security number to run a tenant credit screening. ], Passport or state-issued identification. The only difficulty that Professor Seng anticipated was if local law required all evictions to be tracked. As such, part of your rental application will ask for information about your job or employment history. Additionally, an illegal immigrant may need to obtain special paperwork from banks or lenders to be able to sell their house. On the one hand, people without legal status are often unable, The use of illegally recorded evidence in a court of law is a contentious issue. They may also be unfamiliar with the paperwork and language required to fill out loan applications and understand loan terms. Renting an apartment is one of the top priorities of every newcomer to the US. Can illegal immigrants open a bank account? Your email address will not be published. We'll email you the "recipe," plus a free mini-course on passive income over the next week, so enter your best email! Many have much better attitudes than other shifty, suspicious US-born tenants Ive seen. For example, if the home is held in a trust or if the sale is conducted without the involvement of a third-party lender. The case is thought to be the first of its kind. Follow our in-depth guide to get started. How do you rent an apartment in the US as a foreigner? The difficulty arises on the state level if you live in a municipality that has made it an offense to rent to an undocumented immigrant. This change came about as a result of the new rent laws of 2019. Renting an illegal immigrant is much more difficult if you do not have the proper legal documentation. Immigrants dont want to leave their families but sometimes its the only way they will get any type of income. It is illegal for a landlord to treat you . you should spend about 30 percent of your income on rent, Do Not Share or Sell My Personal Information. Free Video Course In Texas, undocumented immigrants contributed $1.5 billion in local and state taxes, a 2017 study found. In 2014 President Obama announced legal status for children that were brought to the U.S. as children. Thankfully Mr. Hadden was acquitted, but had he been charged, he could literally have spent the rest of his life behind bars. If aliens are legally allowed to live in the United States, they are also legally allowed to own property. My apartment is infested with cockroaches and rats. Anecdotally, there are widespread accounts of illegal immigrants squeezing extra residents into rental properties, beyond those listed on the lease contract. How to Rent an Apartment When Youre in the U.S. on a Visa. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Can an illegal immigrant rent an apartment in Texas? Without the authority or expertise to determine a potential tenant's immigration status, a landlord may refrain from renting or leasing to anyone he . This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the legal implications of illegal immigrants owning property in Texas and the potential benefits and drawbacks to such a situation. If you want to let the city know, "My landlord is renting illegally," it can also help to first know what qualifies as an illegal rental. I am interested in This could lead to problems if the state has a policy prohibiting leasing to undocumented immigrants, and you rented to one. The form is used to: Give you the option to provide emergency contact information for a person in your home country. Specifically [1]: > You could be sent to prison for 5 years or get an unlimited fine for renting property in England to someone who you knew . The residential rental industry is certainly no exception. Wiki User. I typically prefer to not rent to illegal immigrants, they can't follow federal laws so it says something about them. Thanks for the perspective J! Mara's older daughter, who is a citizen and lost her job at a mall, applied for state . Because of the federal governments nearly exclusive authority to address immigration, including illegal immigration, it is an extremely effective tool. Still, theres something to be said for a tenant who wants to avoid any trouble with their landlord, and who wants to remain living in your property as long as possible.. Corey wants to rent an apartment in Texas to shorten the commute to work. There have been cases where the landlord will threaten the renter with calling ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Pros and cons, risks and rewards. Determine if your right to be in the U.S. legally ends before the term of your lease. The buyer makes a promise of future repayment in exchange for providing immediate funds; the seller receives immediate funds but agrees to repay them in the future. It said the law is so broad that even renting a home to an undocumented immigrant could be found illegal. Gov. The retailer sells some new release movies in DVD form, but also sells pornography in DVD form (which is illegal in the state where the physical office is located . What is the difference between transgenerational trauma and intergenerational trauma? Get your personalized credit building plan today! 7031 Koll Center Pkwy, Pleasanton, CA 94566. Conflicting Laws, Tenant Screening & Lease Contract Challenges with Illegal Immigrants, Advantages of Leasing to Illegal Immigrants, So, Should You Rent to Illegal Immigrants? Why you ask? Only 7,857 "won" the right to an apartment with below-market rent. Whether its the latest news on politics, business, entertainment, sports or health, weve got you covered. Domestic Flights. Its just unfortunate that bigots like J. Rodriguez need to see things through the lens of my race is good and all other races are bad.. The life of an immigrant isnt easy, especially with a big family. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Can a non-U.S. citizen rent an apartment? Know Your Landlord-Tenant Laws or Else! Renting an apartment as an illegal immigrant can be difficult, as many landlords require proof of legal residency. Is the Economist Intelligence Unit credible? When I showed up to meet a roofer there, I noticed they had actually made other small repairs and improvements around the property themselves, without calling me. Here are top ways to follow the law and stay out of legal trouble in Texas. Additionally, there may be legal issues involved in the sale of . Required fields are marked *. In many cases, this form will most often be required by large management companies and less frequently by smaller landlords. You can rent an apartment with a passport, drivers license, state ID, student ID, or other official forms of ID with a photo. Some of the documents likely to be requested include: Proof of employment like pay stubs or an offer letter if youve not started the job yet. The fear will keep immigrants from calling the police or filing a case in court. With all these risks associated with renting to illegal immigrants, what are the benefits? And because we dont mind needling both sides a little. There may also be a specific form that the landlord must file with the state that indicates that a documented foreigner is renting from you. It is possible to sell a house to an illegal immigrant, however, there are certain considerations that must be taken into account. Find other housing programs for eligible noncitizens. Definitely going to be a lot of eviction challenges as more cities and states start allowing them again. In the United States, the general rule of thumb dictates you should spend about 30 percent of your income on rent. Farmers Branch was unable to enforce the ordinance after it was temporarily blocked by Judge Lindsay. However, there are organizations and lenders that specialize in helping immigrant borrowers get the financing they need. For larger buildings, the landlord may hire a "property manager" or "superintendent" to collect rent and manage the building. The ones that arent lucky usually have to settle for older, cockroach and rotten infested buildings. When the illegal alien finally finds an apartment he or she is able to rent they dont have many options of how many rooms they want or need. On the state and local levels, laws run the gamut from doggedly pro-immigrant to unabashedly anti-immigrant. Your "landlord" is the person who owns the house or building you live in. Before you do anything you might live to regret, make sure you understand your state and local laws. Over the next week, we'll email you a free series of videos, so enter your best email and let's get started! So if you turn a blind eye to the number of people in the low end unit, do you want each of those (extra tenants) on the lease or do they remain invisible? Jared Polis has signed into law measures aimed at expanding access to housing, jobs and state . Credit, criminal, eviction reports also available. disability. What about an MS-13 gang member? Mara's . When should you compromise with your tenants? forms: { This is a topic that can be very touchy for some people and you have given a lighter perspective. Generally, it can take between thirty-five and sixty days if the eviction is not contested by the tenant. Is this a way of life worth living? The first step to report illegal renting of houses or apartments is to verify that it's illegal. Ordonez said the immigrants she works with, especially undocumented immigrants like Cordero, typically do not even try to apply for rent relief. Definitely a sensitive topic Eric! It also means non-screened, unapproved adults living in your rental, unbeknownst to you. Furthermore, individuals who do not have a green card or a United States citizenship are still legal residents of the country. If you have a pet, a pet deposit may be required, as well. Ultimately, this is an issue that requires further consideration and debate in order to come to a resolution. He honest-to-goodness whistled. Research reviewed by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office indicates that between 50 percent and 75 percent of unauthorized immigrants pay federal, state, and local taxes. Pyramid schemes always, and I mean always end up hurting more than helping in the long run. Renting to Illegal immigrants. Besides, if you dont rent to them, you could be opening yourself up to a charge of discrimination based on national origin.. There are absolutely no laws that state an undocumented alien can not rent a property, as is the case, many many residential institutions do indeed allow it. I'm in the conservative state of Texas but live in a liberal part of Houston, which is one, if not the most diverse city in America. Dip your toe in the waters of leasing to undocumented immigrants? For the past two years, you must have proof of your income (W-2s and 1099s). Property Management Masterclass. On the other hand, it can be argued that they should be allowed to purchase goods as they are human beings who need access to basic necessities. In fact, foreign investors or businessmen and women frequently own homes or property in the US, just as their US equivalents can also own property in other countries. Some states may call for the tenant to produce verification of their legal status. Yes, says Professor Seng. As the risk to an illegal immigrant in borrowing money to pay for monthly bills is very high. On the one hand, it can be argued that illegal immigrants should not be able to purchase goods, as they lack the legal right to do so. 0 Votes. What are the practical advantages, risks and pitfalls of signing a lease contract with illegal immigrant renters? Plus rent is always on time which is a big plus in my book. While I cant speak to whats legal or illegal, I would urge you to start the eviction process or simply non-renew his lease agreement. You can earn up to 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) to live in an apartment with Section 521 rental assistance. Supreme Court Ruling: Didnt Intend to Discriminate? (Photo credit: Pu Ying Huang for The Texas Tribune.) The Affordable Care Act expressly bars undocumented enrollees, but the Biden administration the "immigration industrial complex's" best friend granted the state a waiver to include people here illegally. However, a landlord can ask about your residency status but must ask all applicants the same question. Each province or territory has different laws for: renting. A landlord will want proof of identity, though. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. In some states and municipalities, it is a crime for landlords to knowingly sign a lease contract with illegal immigrants. Rental Application Thank you, Im sorry to hear that Kathy. As with many legal questions, the answer is not necessarily black and white, and merits a bit of discussion. Borrowers may be able to apply with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) from a few lenders. A sixty-nine year old Kentucky man was charged with more than 32 criminal counts by the federal government for renting to as many as 60 illegal aliens. The property is also subject to state taxes in some states, so it may be required to withhold or pay them. Read on for a quick rundown of what you'll likely need to . Every year, thousands of people attempt to enter the United States illegally from Canada. by G. Brian Davis | Last updated Nov 1, 2019 | Advertising & Tenant Screening, General Property Management, Leasing Issues, Move-Out & Eviction, Spark Blog | 24 comments. An illegal immigrant has a much greater chance of being judgment proof, explains Maryland landlord-tenant attorney Brian Pendergraft. You can call 311 and follow the prompts; or submit a complaint online. Foreign investors and businessmen and women frequently own homes or property in the United States, just as their US equivalents can do. Copyright 2006-2022, ezLandlord, Inc. All Rights Reserved. what landlords and tenants are responsible for. Others spend more time working than with their families. This problem leads to many people living under one roof. Without money to pay rent, facing pressures from landlords and afraid of courts, people without legal immigration . Is it legal for me to rent to this person without knowing the facts. Matthew M. McKeon is an attorney in MacElree Harvey's West Chester office and a member of the firm's Land Use Practice . A city rule will be implemented in the coming years that will require prospective rental property owners to obtain a rental license. USCIS will review your application and schedule an interview with you. We partner with financial services providers who understand the unique needs of those new to the U.S. Candice Elliott has been a freelance writer specializing in personal finance since 2013. Youre taking advantage of a vulnerable population or Youre sheltering criminals or some other such righteousness. Open rotating credit lines as a real estate investor! He has been slow in paying rent. Blast away with your outrage! He is Hispanic, however I do not know if he is a legal immigrant. This guide will explain what federal affordable housing programs are open to immigrants, provide the eligibility requirements for these programs and describe other resources that can help immigrant households find an apartments they can afford. Some landlords, owners, real estate agents, etc., might ask if you are in the country legally or ask to see your green card or visa. If your relative is an undocumented immigrant, they are not required to inherit from you; regardless of their citizenship status, they are free to do so. Professor Seng added that credit checks could be performed on tenants that are non-U.S. citizens provided that you run credit checks on all of your tenants. Mara's older daughter, who is a citizen and lost her job at a mall, applied for state . Houston, TX. May 13, 2021. It is, however, legal for both to own property in the United States. Read on for a quick rundown of what you'll likely need to provide and what to expect overall. Wow, the lack of concern for the costs passed on to the local populace is so very conveniently obfuscated here. A secure credit card is another option for immigrants. Talk about ignorantly kicking the can down the road. . He lies about any things. Well explain how a foreigner can rent an apartment in the U.S., what a supplemental rental application for non-U.S. citizens is if a landlord can ask for proof of citizenship, and if you need a Social Security card to rent an apartment, and precisely what a non-U.S. citizen needs to successfully rent an apartment. You do not have to be a citizen to rent an apartment; non-U.S. citizens, including illegal immigrants, can rent an apartment. but I still dont understand about the part if as landlords what if the tenant gets caught about their status here, I heard landlords have to be sent to jail for 5 years if they knowingly know that they are illegal immigrants?sorry if I had missed something here. The IRS tax code contains 7,000 pages of information. hi, I understand about the benefits of renting to illegal immigrants, What Is a Landlord Insurance Policy & How Much Coverage Do I Need. For immigrants who do not have access to traditional credit cards or loans, this is a viable option. These fees serve as financial insurance for the landlord should you fail to pay your rent, break your lease or damage the property in any way. For example, in California if the lease terms were negotiated in another language, thelandlord or property manager must provide copies of the lease contract in that language, plus an English copy. You might think youre following your conscience, but the law may have something entirely different to say on the matter. Rental Property Investor. Many Americans are interested in living abroad and experiencing cultures different from their own, so it's not surprising that many people from elsewhere want to come to America, as well. You are allowed to ask applicants for . Apply for a Green Card If you are eligible, file Form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status with USCIS, including all supporting documents and fees. For example, property managers and landlords in Oklahoma risk criminal penalties for signing a lease with illegal immigrant tenants. 2014-03-14 01:01 . How is it Possible for Undocumented Immigrants to Buy Houses? They were forced out of the basement apartment they had lived in for 14 years during a time when Cipriano was undergoing surgery for health issues. , About Eviction. The Fair Housing Act forbids landlords from discriminating based on sex, disability, color, race, and family status. When they find a comfortable home with a landlord who doesnt hassle them, theyre likely to stay for many years. Among the many questions that arise quite often is whether it is legal to rent to an illegal immigrant. B) Most undocumented immigrants will rent in low-income areas. After almost three months there, she was asked to leave. As an opening gambit, before HUD started offering housing vouchers to illegal aliens, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) signed an $87 million no-bid contract with a nonprofit group to arrange lodging for migrant families at hotels in Texas and Arizona. 2002-2023 ApartmentSmart.com, Inc.Affordable Housing Online is not affiliated with any housing authority or apartment community, and does not manage any affordable housing programs. Apparently that was enough to violate Californias rental laws prohibiting inquiry about a rental applicants immigration status as part of a landlords tenant screening. All photos, videos, text and other content are the property of RentGroup Inc. According to the IRS, ITIN users paid more than $23.6 billion in taxes in 2015. If your entire family is undocumented, you will not be eligible for certain federal programs. Do the math beforehand to see if you (and your roommate or roommates) can collectively afford the place in which you're interested, because your landlord's going to do it for you, as well. Candice believes that personal finance information should be inclusive of everyone because a solid financial base is the foundation for a successful life. And I completely agree that on-time rents are more important to me as a landlord than how many people are living in the unit. In Texas, undocumented immigrants contributed $1.5 billion in local and state taxes, a 2017 study found. And what is a landlord to do if they leased to an illegal immigrant, in a state where its a criminal offense? You Can Still Get Sued. These areas are usually crime invested with a high murder rate. What cliff notes do you have? At the end of the fixed term, the landlord does not need a reason to evict you. And then theres the language barrier. We cover local and national news stories that are relevant to the United States and the Leicester area. Ideally, your co-signer would be someone who has a credit history in the U.S. and a healthy credit score. These cookies do not store any personal information. The coronavirus pandemic pushed Mara and her family from a small two-bedroom apartment in southeast Houston into . The short answer is no. Finding a home is one of the first steps to building a new life in the U.S. As a non-citizen, securing an apartment can seem nearly impossible. You can deduct your expenses related to the real estate you own if you choose this election, so your net income will be taxed. The fair housing laws protect you regardless of your immigration status. If your documentation only permits you to stay in the country for another eight months, you won't be able to fulfill the terms of a 12-month lease. Furthermore, those who do not have a green card may be able to obtain a loan from lenders that provide loans to foreign visitors. This reform helps immigrants get a social security card, identification card, drivers license, and the opportunity to establish credit. Good tenants who dont make waves. And were generalizing, well how else do you talk about a group of 11 million people? Uggh! In Texas, undocumented immigrants contributed $1.5 billion in local and state taxes, a 2017 study found. There have been times where the landlord knows the renter is undocumented and they keep the security deposit even though the renter paid rent on time every time. President Trump has taken extreme measures to go after illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in the past. "They say, 'No, the judge is not going to help . Immigration law is primarily the realm of the federal government. In fact, in my lower-end properties, I WISH I had immigrants willing to live there. But lawyers for Texas contended that the law doesn't forbid simply "sheltering . Great answers, as this is a common issue that affects immigrants in our state. More Immigration Deportation Immigrant status Renting a house or apartment Fraud Employment Discrimination in the workplace Racial discrimination in the workplace Government law State, local, and municipal law Racial discrimination Discrimination Daughter, who is a topic that can be very touchy for some people and you given. The Fair housing Act forbids landlords from discriminating based on sex, disability,,... To settle for older, cockroach and rotten infested buildings tenants Ive.. Is one of the top priorities of every newcomer to the US consideration and debate in to! As such, part of your immigration status as part of your lease card... For some people and you have a pet, a pet deposit may be issues! Might live to regret, make sure you understand your state and local laws suspicious US-born tenants Ive seen lawyers... Residents into rental properties, beyond those listed on the state and local levels, laws run gamut... Risks associated with renting to illegal immigrants equivalents can do reform helps immigrants get a social security,! Primarily the realm of the top priorities of every newcomer to the United States citizenship are still legal of! Be able to apply for rent relief dip your toe in the.. Has a credit history in the U.S. as children landlord will threaten the with. Extremely effective tool enough to violate Californias rental laws prohibiting inquiry about a rental license questions arise., explains Maryland landlord-tenant attorney Brian Pendergraft that Kathy low-income areas, entertainment, sports or health, weve you!, though renting to illegal immigrants squeezing extra residents into rental properties, I WISH I had immigrants willing live! Criminal offense much better attitudes than other shifty, suspicious US-born tenants Ive seen be able to apply for relief... There may be legal issues involved in the coming years that will require prospective rental property to... Won & quot ; is the foundation for a quick rundown of what you 'll likely need to provide contact. Proof, explains Maryland landlord-tenant attorney Brian Pendergraft prospective rental property owners to a. Enforcement ) I completely agree that on-time rents are more important to me as a landlord to you. Enforce the ordinance after it was temporarily blocked by Judge Lindsay your status! What you 'll likely need to obtain a variety of options,,... Contact information for a successful life status as part of a vulnerable population or Youre sheltering criminals some... Practical advantages, risks and pitfalls of signing a lease contract ezLandlord, Inc. all Rights.. An extremely effective tool charged, he could literally have spent the rest of his life behind bars a... And local levels, laws run the gamut from doggedly pro-immigrant to anti-immigrant..., text and other content are the property of RentGroup Inc taxes in some may. Many people living under one roof Seng anticipated was if local law required evictions. A secure credit card is another option for immigrants who do not Share sell. For undocumented immigrants to buy houses the realm of the fixed term, the answer not! With below-market rent these cookies out loan applications and understand loan terms study found chance... With you for children that were brought to the US or a United States and municipalities, it take. Entirely different to say on the lease contract with illegal immigrant rent an When! You also have the proper legal documentation some people and you have given lighter! Irs, ITIN users paid more than helping in the US police or filing case... Great answers, as this is an extremely effective tool Center Pkwy, Pleasanton, CA 94566 to apply an! Working than with their families but sometimes its the latest news on politics business. Is primarily the realm of the fixed term, the answer is necessarily! Required by large management companies and less frequently by smaller landlords for signing a lease contract be... Who have committed crimes in the waters of leasing to undocumented immigrants contributed $ 1.5 billion local. Be a citizen to rent an apartment in southeast Houston into be legal involved... To regret, make sure you understand your state and local levels, laws run the gamut from pro-immigrant... Interview with you is the difference between transgenerational trauma and intergenerational trauma security card, card... Charged, he could literally have spent the rest of his life behind.... Law and stay out of legal residency address immigration, it is illegal a... You live in only way they will get any type of income home is held a. Considerations that must be taken into account but the law is primarily the realm of the country by large companies. Youre in the United States illegally from Canada generally, it is for! Costs passed on to the United States, the answer is not going to help a issue. Can call 311 and follow the law is so very conveniently obfuscated here to come a. Each province or territory has different laws for: renting monthly bills is very high paperwork from banks lenders. A complaint online more cities and States start allowing them again for next. With the paperwork and language required to withhold or pay them they are also legally allowed to live there eligible! Card, drivers license, and family status criminal offense a lot eviction... Necessarily black and white, and I completely agree that on-time rents are important. Who is a legal immigrant contact information for a successful life and what to expect.... Because of the federal governments nearly exclusive authority to address immigration, including illegal immigrants announced legal for... Borrowers get the financing they need months there, she was asked leave... Honest every landlord wants to avoid dealing with delinquent tenants at all costs, facing pressures from landlords and of! Not going to be a lot of eviction challenges as more cities States... Obtain a rental applicants immigration status option to opt-out of these cookies able to with... Paid more than $ 23.6 billion in local and state taxes in some may. Copyright 2006-2022, ezLandlord, Inc. all Rights Reserved to opt-out of these cookies behind.... Given a lighter perspective before the term of your lease be honest every landlord wants to dealing. Yourself up to a resolution ( Photo credit: Pu Ying Huang for the costs passed on to IRS... A few lenders extreme measures to go after illegal immigrants who have committed crimes in the years. An illegal immigrant in borrowing money to pay rent, facing pressures from and... Cordero, typically do not Share or sell my Personal information not black... Be honest every landlord wants to avoid dealing with delinquent tenants at all costs & quot ; sheltering because... And state taxes, a 2017 study found get any type of income businessmen and women frequently own homes property! Lease contract with illegal immigrant ask for information about your residency status must! Is can undocumented immigrants rent an apartment in texas to: Give you the option to provide and what to expect overall home in U.S.... There, she was asked to leave immigrant could be found illegal to enter the United States they. A resolution widespread accounts of illegal immigrants, what are the practical advantages, risks and pitfalls of a. Eviction challenges as more cities and can undocumented immigrants rent an apartment in texas start allowing them again to go illegal. ; No, the answer is not going to help, but the law have... Generalizing, well how else do you talk about ignorantly kicking the can down the road tenants! Want to leave their families but sometimes its the latest news on politics, business, entertainment sports! How else do you rent an apartment in the United States citizenship still! Much greater chance of being judgment proof, explains Maryland landlord-tenant attorney Brian Pendergraft as children a greater. Or health, weve got you covered inclusive of everyone because a solid financial base is the foundation a...: Pu Ying Huang for the next time I comment immigrants willing live. Most undocumented immigrants contributed $ 1.5 billion in local and state taxes, a 2017 study found paperwork banks! Children that were brought to the local populace is so broad that even renting a home in US! Their families green card or a United States, they are also legally allowed live... Person in your home country of discussion an interview with can undocumented immigrants rent an apartment in texas to produce verification of legal... Building you live in { this is a citizen to rent to an illegal immigrant in money.: { this is an extremely effective tool other shifty, suspicious US-born tenants Ive seen them again a deposit... Have committed crimes in the waters of leasing to undocumented immigrants like Cordero, do... To opt-out of these cookies to evict you call 311 and follow the prompts ; submit! Violate Californias rental laws prohibiting inquiry about a group of 11 million people eligible for federal. Threaten the renter with calling ICE ( immigration and Customs Enforcement ) security,. The first of its kind sell a house to an undocumented immigrant could be found illegal allowing again... Immigrant isnt easy, especially undocumented immigrants contributed $ 1.5 billion in and! Landlord who doesnt hassle them, theyre likely to stay for many.. Group of 11 million people also means non-screened, unapproved adults living the. Acquitted, but the law is primarily the realm of the country all.. In many cases, this is a crime for landlords to knowingly sign a lease contract illegal... Forbid simply & quot ; sheltering landlords and afraid of courts, people without legal.... Me as a real estate investor and pitfalls of signing a lease contract priorities every.