My landlord never gave me a copy of the lease for my home despite asking more than 4 or 5 times. He is now trying to hold me to things that are in the lease that obviously I signed, but it seems slightly unreasonable to hold me accountable if I had no access to the lease for review. Is it a law that he is required to give me a copy? I also built a fence in the backyard which certainly raises his property value. Is he obligated to reimburse me at all for the improvement to the home? Also, what is the protocol as far as minor repairs such as nail holes from picture hanging?

Hello Mikey:

If you didn't get a copy, there's no law that says he has to provide you one.

Fence?? Is he obligated to reimburse you?? What does your lease say?? I know, I know... State law doesn't say he does.

Holes?? You have to fix 'em, or pay to have the landlord fix 'em.

I suggest that you write your landlord a letter. Send it certified, return receipt requested. Tell him that he won't get any more rent unless you get a copy of your lease.

excon

Some states DO require that a copy of the signed lease be returned within a certain time frame. So you need to check your state laws. Also the lease itself may contain such a provision.

However, if you didn't keep a copy that was a mistake on your part. If the LL has your signature on the lease, then you are bound by those terms.

Did you get permission to erect the fence? Unless you did and unless that permission included a promise of reimbursement, he has no obligation to reimburse you.

When you move, you have to return to the premises to your move in condition except for normal wear and tear. Holes made while hanging pics are not considered normal wear and tear.

I'll go further than Scott did... if you didn't get permission to build the fence, he can charge you for the cost to tear it down when you leave, since your obligation is to leave the property in the same condition as you got it. What one person considers an "improvement", another person may not.

Thanks for the help guys!