Most landlords lose money not because of bad tenants — but because of weak lease agreements. Here are the 5 biggest mistakes I see:

1. No late payment clause. If your lease doesn't specify penalties for late rent, you have zero leverage. Include exact amounts and grace periods.

2. Vague maintenance responsibilities. "Tenant shall maintain the property" means nothing in court. Spell out who handles plumbing, electrical, appliances, and structural repairs.

3. Missing security deposit terms. How much? When is it returned? What can be deducted? If it's not written down, expect disputes at move-out.

4. No termination process. Both parties need to know exactly how to end the lease — notice periods, penalties for early termination, and the handover process.

5. Using templates from 10 years ago. Tenancy laws change. That generic template from Google might not reflect current legal requirements in your area.

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