5 Lease Clauses Butler Students Should Watch Out For
Not all leases are the same. These five clauses catch students off guard every year — here's what to look for before you sign.
Most leases are standard documents that protect both parties. But some contain clauses that heavily favor the landlord — and students, signing their first lease without legal experience, are the most likely to miss them. Read for these five before you sign anything.
1. Automatic Renewal With Short Notice Windows
Some leases include an auto-renewal clause that extends your lease for another full term unless you give notice to vacate by a specific date — often 60 or 90 days before your lease ends. If you miss that window by even a day, you may be locked into another year.
What to look for: Any clause mentioning automatic renewal, notice periods, or lease extension. Read it carefully.
What to do: Note your notice-to-vacate deadline on your calendar the day you sign. Set a reminder 30 days before it. If you're not planning to renew, send a formal written notice by email and keep the confirmation.
2. Vague or Tenant-Unfriendly Deposit Terms
Security deposit clauses vary widely. Some leases give landlords broad discretion to withhold funds for "cleaning," "repairs," or "damages" without defining what those terms mean. Others include a non-refundable "cleaning fee" that's separate from — and in addition to — the security deposit.
What to look for: Any language about fees charged at move-out that aren't specifically tied to damage you cause. Watch for "professional cleaning required" clauses — some landlords use these to charge $150–$300 regardless of how clean you leave the unit.
What to do: Ask the landlord to clarify in writing what move-out cleaning standards are expected. Document the condition of the unit on move-in day with photos, and email the photos to the landlord to create a timestamped record.
3. Broad Entry Rights Without Notice
Indiana law requires landlords to give at least 24 hours notice before entering a rental unit except in emergencies. Some leases include language that grants landlords broader access rights, such as entry "at any reasonable time" or for inspections with shorter notice.
What to look for: Any clause about landlord entry that doesn't specify a 24-hour notice period, or that carves out very broad exceptions.
What to do: Ask the landlord to add a clause confirming 24-hour advance notice (except in genuine emergencies). Most reasonable landlords will agree.
4. Strict No-Subletting Language
If you're on a 12-month lease and plan to go home for the summer, subletting can cover three months of rent. But many leases prohibit subletting outright — or require landlord approval that can be withheld for any reason.
What to look for: Any prohibition on subletting or assignment. Also watch for "written consent required, which may be withheld at landlord's discretion."
What to do: If you think you'll want to sublet, negotiate this clause before signing. Ask for language that says subletting is permitted with 30 days written notice to the landlord, rather than requiring approval.
5. Excessive Early Termination Penalties
Life changes. Study abroad, a medical situation, a family emergency — any number of things can make it necessary to leave your apartment before your lease ends. Some leases impose severe penalties: two months' rent, forfeiture of the security deposit, and continued rent liability until the unit is re-rented.
What to look for: Early termination clauses that combine multiple penalties (deposit forfeiture + extra months of rent). Also watch for language that holds you liable for rent until the unit is re-leased, with no cap on how long that takes.
What to do: Try to negotiate a more reasonable early termination provision — for example, forfeiture of the deposit only, or one additional month's rent as a buyout. Get any changes in writing before signing.
The Bottom Line
A lease is a negotiation, not a take-it-or-leave-it document — especially in the student rental market where landlords are often eager to fill units. Don't be afraid to ask for changes. Any reasonable landlord will at least discuss them. If a landlord refuses to negotiate or gets defensive when you ask questions, that's its own kind of red flag.
When in doubt, ask a parent to review the lease, or contact Butler's student legal services for a free review before you sign.