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When renting, keep thevolume on your stereolow. Most leases containa “quiet enjoyment”clause that basicallysays you can’t disruptyour neighbors, and ifyou do, you could be inviolation of the termsof your lease. Your landlordcould very well goto court to evict youfor playing your stereotoo loudly.Cases in some states have held that an implied covenant of goodfaith and fair dealing exists in every lease of business property. Underthis rule, landlords may not withhold consent to the sublease or assignmentof long-term leases to commercial premises without a good reason.Option to Renew or to Purchase Many leases contain a provisionallowing renters the option to renew the lease for one or more additionalperiods. This provision gives renters the right to a new lease, under thesame terms, for an additional period. Similarly, a renter can be givenan option to purchase the property. This is an agreement by the lessorto sell the property to the lessee for a stated price. To exercise an option,a renter must notify the lessor on or before the date set forth in the lease.Rent ControlSome large communities have passed rent control laws to keep rentwithin an affordable range. These laws limit what landlords can chargefor rental property and also often contain procedures that must be followedbefore tenants can be evicted. In a number of areas, rent controllaws have caused landlords to turn their apartments into condominiums,leading to shortages in rental apartments. Such laws differ from placeto place. Some states, including Massachusetts, have done away withrent control laws altogether.Reviewing What You Learned1. What is the difference between a tenancyfor years, a periodic tenancy, and a tenancyat will?2. Name the common covenants found ina lease.3. Explain rent control laws.Critical Thinking ActivityElements of a Contract Use the Internet,library, or other resource to find a copy of astandardized lease for an apartment. Thenexplain the elements of legal contracts asthey apply in the context of renting a place tolive.Legal Skills in ActionMaintaining the Premises The groundssurrounding the apartment complex where youlive are full of trash. The grass hasn’t beenmowed for weeks, and it looks pretty shabby.You’ve mentioned the problem to the landlord,but no action has been taken. Write a petition tocirculate among the tenants to ask the landlordto hold a meeting to discuss the difficulty.718 Unit 7: Planning for the Future