Lease Red Flag Sweep

When to use this: A landlord sent a lease draft and you have not signed yet.

You got the draft. Now read it like someone who might be overseas when the deposit dispute starts. These are the clauses that burn military families.

Scan the lease — flag anything that applies

SCRA waiver clause — any language asking you to waive Servicemembers Civil Relief Act protections. Never sign. (Source: FINRED / DoD consumer education)
No military clause — nothing allowing termination on PCS orders with proper notice and orders documentation
Weak military clause — vague conditions, excessive penalties, or requires landlord "approval" of orders
Vague maintenance — you responsible for HVAC, appliances, or structural items without clear landlord duty
Unclear utilities — who pays water, sewer, trash, gas, electric, snow, lawn? Get it listed line by line
No move-in/move-out inspection process — you need documented condition at both ends for deposit protection
Mandatory "resident benefit packages," admin fees, or monthly charges beyond rent not explained upfront
Automatic renewal or month-to-month conversion with rent spikes — know how the lease ends
Early termination penalties that ignore military orders — read the fine print on fees beyond the military clause

SCRA waiver — hard stop

Some landlords slip in language waiving your rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. That can limit protections on lease termination, interest rates, and more. Do not sign a lease with an SCRA waiver. If you see one, stop and take the lease to JAG. FINRED and Military Consumer both warn against this pattern.

Military clause — what good looks like

Termination allowed on PCS orders with written notice (typically 30 days)
No penalty beyond normal move-out obligations when orders are provided
Written into the lease — not a verbal promise from the PM

Take it to JAG before you sign

Ask legal assistance whether they can review the lease before you sign. Do not sign a lease with an SCRA waiver. Check with your installation HSO if your command requires it before off-post rental — find yours via Military Installations (find your installation).