You don’t have to sign the lease right away. Take time to review.

Black renters still face hurdles in today’s housing market. And even after landing a place, the trouble doesn’t always stop. Some lease agreements are filled with vague language, surprise fees, or unfair terms that end up costing tenants more than expected.

According to Zillow’s 2024 Consumer Housing Trends Report, Black renters are more likely than white renters to be hit with extra rental fees, and many of them are non-negotiable.

That’s why reading your lease carefully matters. It can help you catch problems early, avoid unexpected costs, and protect yourself if anything goes wrong.

Here are some of the most common traps to look out for, and how to handle them.

1. Pressure to Sign Quickly

If a landlord’s pushing you to sign before you’ve had time to look over the lease, slow down. That kind of pressure is usually a red flag.

Tip: Ask for a copy and take it home. You don’t have to sign anything on the spot. Read it fully, ask questions, and only move forward when you’re sure.

2. High Security Deposit

Some landlords ask for deposits that are way over the line. Two or three months of rent, in some cases. That’s not always legal and often not necessary.

Tip: Check your state or city’s rules about deposit limits before you agree to anything.

3. Hidden Fees or Extra Charges

Some leases list vague or unexpected charges: pest control, trash pickup, admin fees, and even key fobs. These add up fast and aren’t always easy to challenge once you’ve signed.

Tip: Ask for a full breakdown of every cost, and make sure it’s all written into the lease.

4. No Lease Exit Option

A lease with no early exit clause can trap you, even if life changes suddenly, like a job move or family emergency. Without a clear policy, you might be stuck paying rent until the lease ends.

Tip: Look for early termination rules. If they’re missing, ask what happens if you need to leave before your lease is up.

5. You Pay for Repairs You Shouldn’t

Don’t turn into a charity by covering costly landlord repairs.

Some leases wrongly say tenants have to cover major repairs. But fixing plumbing, electrical issues, or broken appliances is the landlord’s job, not yours.

Tip: Make sure the lease spells out who handles what. Repairs should be the landlord’s responsibility, especially for major systems.

6. No Limits on Landlord Entry

Landlords are allowed to enter your home for certain reasons (repairs, inspections, or emergencies), but not whenever they feel like it. A lease that doesn’t set limits could lead to repeated, unannounced visits.

Tip: Look for a clause that requires 24 hours’ notice before your landlord can come in (unless it’s a real emergency).

7. No Written Lease

If you’re relying on a handshake or verbal agreement, you’re taking a serious risk. Without a written lease, a landlord can raise the rent or change the rules with little warning, and there’s not much you can do about it.

Tip: Always get the lease in writing, signed by both parties, and keep a copy for yourself.

A Few More Ways to Protect Yourself

• Never pay or sign until you’ve seen the actual unit.
• Learn your rights under fair housing laws in your state and city.
• If something feels off, don’t hesitate to contact a local tenants’ union or HUD for advice or legal help.