The police arrived at the scene of a rental dispute and an argument broke out. The insured father-in-law advocated for lawyer Hua Shan to explain the lease dispute and what should be paid attention to when reviewing the lease contract.

In a rental dispute, the police arrived and the altercation broke out. The dangerous father-in-law became the victim｜Mirror News reporters Yan Kaixu and Zhang Quan

News link:https://youtu.be/l_8uMoCx3-I?si=3IMDD7KvYRCZbXbZ

A rental dispute broke out in a sub-rented apartment in Shilin, Taipei City, on the night of the 4th. The landlord cut off water and electricity to a Chinese female tenant, which made her so angry that she called the police. Unexpectedly, when the police arrived, she and the tenant got into a heated argument. According to our understanding, the rental contract between the two parties was only fulfilled for more than three months after it was signed one year ago. The landlord wanted to evict the tenant due to some old and new grudges, and even the door locks had been changed.

Legal explanation of rental disputes and coercion crimes

Lawyer Zhang Huashan of Fidelity Law Firm said that if the landlord arbitrarily cuts off water and electricity during the lease period, it may violate the lease contract and be liable for compensation to the tenant. If the landlord arbitrarily changes the door lock without any reason, causing the tenant to be unable to enter, it may also constitute a coercive crime under the criminal law, and he will be sentenced to fixed-term imprisonment of not more than three years, short-term imprisonment, or a fine of not more than 9,000 yuan.

Things to note in a lease contract

Before signing a lease, it is crucial to review the contents of the lease carefully. A lease contract is not just a simple legal document for renting or leasing a house. It also stipulates the rights and obligations of both parties to the lease and ensures fairness and legality in the leasing process. Here are a few key things to note when reviewing a lease:

1. Lease period

Start by confirming the length of the rental period and the start and end dates. This includes whether the lease has an automatic renewal clause and, if so, what are the terms of renewal. A clear agreement on the lease period can avoid future disputes over the lease period.

2. Rent and other expenses

It is essential to confirm the amount of the rent, the method of payment and the date on which it will be paid. Also check to see if other fees are included, such as management fees, utilities, garbage disposal, etc. If there is a deposit, its amount, payment method and return conditions should be clearly stated.

3. Scope of use of the leased property

The scope and purpose of the leased property need to be clearly stated in the contract. For example, whether commercial activities are allowed, whether alterations or renovations are allowed, whether pets are allowed, etc. These details can help avoid misunderstandings and disputes during the leasing process.

4. Repair and maintenance responsibilities

The lease contract should specify the responsibilities of both parties in terms of repairs and maintenance. Generally speaking, major structural repairs are usually the responsibility of the landlord, while minor, routine repairs are the responsibility of the tenant. The terms in this section should be spelled out in detail to avoid future disputes over repairs.

5. Early Termination Clause

Understand the circumstances under which a lease can be terminated early and the required notice period and liquidated damages. An early termination clause is a safeguard for both parties and helps provide a legal basis in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

6. Deposit Terms

The handling of the deposit is an easily disputed part of the lease contract. The amount, payment method, storage method and return conditions of the deposit should be clearly stipulated, including the circumstances under which the deposit can be deducted and the standards for deduction.

7. Liability for breach of contract

The lease agreement should clearly state the breach of contract and its corresponding liability and compensation clauses. This includes, but is not limited to, handling of breaches of contract such as late payment of rent, subletting without permission, unauthorized changes to the structure of the house, etc.

8. Dispute Resolution

The contract should contain a dispute resolution clause that stipulates how disputes between the parties will be handled. Usually includes negotiation, mediation, arbitration or litigation. This part of the clause helps provide a way to resolve disputes and reduce the losses of both parties.

9. Contracting Party Information

Confirm whether the information of all contracting parties in the lease contract is correct, including names, contact information, ID numbers, etc. The accuracy of this information is related to the validity and legality of the contract.

10. Signature and Witness

When signing the contract, it is recommended that both parties be present at the same time and sign to confirm. If conditions permit, you can invite a third-party witness or sign under the witness of a lawyer to increase the legal effect of the contract.

Reviewing a lease agreement is an important task that requires careful attention. Carefully reviewing and understanding each clause can avoid many troubles and disputes in the future. It is recommended that before signing a lease contract, you seek the advice of a professional legal advisor to ensure the fairness and legality of the contract to protect your own rights and interests.

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