What is a Valid Lease and What Information Must it Contain?
A lease is a legal document signed and dated by the landlord (lessor) and the tenant (lessee) indicating rental of an apartment or dwelling for a specific period of time.
If your lease has been renewed and this has not been confirmed in writing by the landlord, you must submit an original dated letter from your landlord attesting to the period for which the lease has been extended, along with a copy of the original lease. If the original lease is no longer available, the landlord may write an attestation letter to cover the whole period (e.g., commencement date of original lease to present, etc.).
If your name does not appear on the lease (e.g. you were sharing an apartment with a friend whose name is on the lease) you MUST submit a copy of your friend's lease, and a letter FROM THE LANDLORD which attests to your residence in the apartment.
All landlord attestations must include the landlord's address and telephone number. Lease dates must be included. Where possible, the landlord should provide the attestation on business letterhead and sign the attestation. |