MCK recommending Agreements between Landlords and Renters

03/11/2015

In light of recent issues reported in the community the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) is strongly recommending that all Kahnawà:ke landlords enter into lease agreements with tenants and that tenants purchase renter’s insurance. Doing so can spare needless headaches that may come up during the lease term.

“It was much nicer when you could rent a house based on a handshake,” said Housing Portfolio Chief Martin Leborgne. “Unfortunately, those days are gone and now both the renter and landlord have to make sure their interests are protected.”
 
For landlords, signing a lease is perhaps the most important step in renting out their property, yet many Kahnawa’kehró:non neglect to take the steps necessary to protect themselves and their property. Lease agreements between the landlord and the tenant should clearly state terms, such as; the amount of rent, the due date for payment of rent, duration of the lease, who is responsible for repairs, security deposits and any other terms necessary. 

For tenants, renter’s insurance is an affordable way to protect one′s assets and provides protection in the event of theft, fire, environmental damage, damages accidentally caused by the tenant, as well as protection from visitors’ injuries. 

“While the MCK is not involved in the regulation of rentals or leases, we should help make sure Kahnawa’kehró:non know what their options are to avoid some of the unfortunate problems we’ve seen,” continued Chief Leborgne.

The following links were found online to assist Community members in learning more about Leases and Renter’s Insurance. The MCK does not advocate or endorse any specific Lease Agreement nor are we experts in Renter’s Insurance.

Sample Lease Creator
Video about the advantages of Renter’s Insurance

Please note that the MCK is not responsible for any landlord’s lease or any tenant’s renter’s insurance and that these issues are matters to be dealt with between the two individual parties privately.