How to Modify a Rental Agreement

Rental agreements are contracts to lease commercial or residential property. The agreement governs several aspects, including the length of the lease, the monthly rental price and the date it is due, the landlord's duty to keep the property in good repair and what behavior is not permitted on the leased premises. Although the terms of a rental agreement are considered binding, there are times when a lessor or lessee may take steps to modify the terms of the rental agreement. Modifications to the agreement should be done by following these steps.

• 1

  Determine how the rental agreement must be modified. Rental contracts are usually in writing. Find the provision in the written contract and determine what needs to be changed in the agreement.

• 2

  Get the consent of all parties to the rental agreement. Explain why you need to modify the rental agreement to the other parties of the agreement. Obtain consent to make the modification.

• 3

  Get the signatures of all parties to the original lease agreement. Prepare a written modification to the original rental agreement, and have each party sign the new modified agreement. Notarize each signature.

• 4

  Comply with laws in your jurisdiction regarding notification. Some jurisdictions require a party to notify the other parties of any changes to an agreement. If this is the case, you must comply with the notification period before making the modification effective.