What To Expect In A Car Rental Contract
While each rental company will have its own contract, there are some standards that cover the basic areas of every car rental agreement. If the contract has anything different in it, the company is obligated to point this out to you, though it is still a good idea to look through any paperwork before signing it.
A car rental agreement is basically a contract between the lender of the car and the renter who will be using it. These usually favor the lender, but if you pay attention to the extras, you’ll be able to keep things pretty fair.
Standard Requirements from the Renter
Every car rental contract will require the presentation of a valid driver’s license. This is standard. Only drivers whose names are actually on the rental agreement can drive the vehicle . . . if someone else is driving and has an accident, you`ll be liable for everything, even if you purchased insurance.
Age is another issue. While you can drive at 16, you can’t rent a car at this age. Most states require drivers to be 21 or older before they can legally sign a contract and rent a vehicle. This does vary somewhat, though and if you are traveling outside the country, you will want to find out what the standard age is.
Contract Sections Dealing with Potential Problems
There is always the risk that a vehicle will get dinged or even destroyed while in the renter’s hands. For this reason, there is usually an optional insurance that you can purchase at the same time as you rent. Many people actually have this covered under their usual auto insurance, so check this first, before buying extra insurance.
Any tickets, speeding, parking or otherwise, that are incurred during the lease of the vehicle will need to be paid by the renter. Any damage is usually fined, so it pays to take a walk around the vehicle and point out any damages that are already in existence. Be sure these are marked and signed on the contract so you have proof that they didn’t occur while you were driving.
There should also be well laid out consequences for things like returning the vehicle late or with an empty gas tank. Returning the car to a different location than where you rented it is something that often comes with a fee, as well. Be sure to read this part carefully, since you can save quite a bit of money by paying attention and making sure that you bring the vehicle back in the proper condition.
Possible Restrictions of Use
Every contract will tell you how you can use the vehicle that you are renting. Most won’t allow you to cross a border or go off-roading. Some areas will have very specific rules, while others will depend on the type of vehicle that you are renting. Some companies will allow you to use only up to a certain number of kilometers or miles within the time period specified. If you go over this limit, you`ll end up paying premium prices. This makes it cheaper to stay in the area.
It’s important to always read through the rental car contract before you sign it, just in case there are any surprises. You won’t have any defense if you just don`t read it. Most rental forms are fairly short, so you don’t need to waste too much time checking it and learning about what your responsibilities are. This also prepares you for the possibility of problems, since you will already know how these are commonly dealt with. Car rentals are a great convenience and it helps to understand the contract.
A. Nutt
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/what-to-expect-in-a-car-rental-contract-664728.html
Comments
Landlords, general website to go to that will list what's typically covered by each party of rental contract
I have a home that I will be renting out for the first time, I am looking to get a rough idea of what I am expected to cover (ie: roof colapses) and what the tenant is supposed to cover (ie: they broke the window). Thanks so much!!!
Typically you have to make that call. If they break it they pay for it.
References :
Get prepared, and hope that it goes smooth. Being a landlord can be a nightmare.
Almost everything in real estate is negotiable. Smoking ? Pets ? Who pays for utilities, repairs, appliances etc.
Generally is landlords duty to keep house up to code and liveable condition.
Who pays for water,trash, cable, yard maintenance etc is whatever you work out.
When you want tenant to pay for water, many times they won’t water the yard. KNOW THE LAWS in your state
Late charges, Amount of deposit that you can request and whether or not you need to keep in a separate account and pay interest to the tenant will be dictated by state law.
Also what you can charge for when they vacate.
Take lots of pictures or video of the condition of the property when they take possession.
You need fire and liability insurance. Encourage tenant to get "renter’s insurance" You will need to get a Landlord’s policy and they may want to know if there is a dog on the property.
Screen tenants by looking at their credit report, and I would not rent to anyone who has been ever evicted for ANY reason.
Check references well. Assume that they are lying to you until you can prove it.
Use the best legal rental agreement that you can get for your state. A realtor may be able to supply you with what they use, it’s probably the best in your state for the landlord.
Try to rent to a family rather than roommates or boyfriend/girlfriend. Don’t be shy in asking for an application fee to run their credit, or have them provide you with a current copy run free at http://www.annualcreditreport.com
Ask for their ID’s when submitting the application. You don’t want to rent to Bonnie& Clyde.
Check references, and hope that it isn’t their friends or family covering for them, or their previous landlord lies to get rid of them.
Don’t let them control the relationship. If they cannot pay, serve them a 3 day notice and follow through quickly, evict if you have to. RENT comes first, or they go.
KNOW THE LAWS. Keep your fingers crossed.
I probably forgot to mention something.
If you don’t want to deal with it all yourself, consider a professional property manager that knows how to screen tenants and knows the laws and regulations.
References :
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