A tenancy agreement decides what you can be charged, when you can leave, who fixes what, and whether you get your deposit back. Most people sign it on move-in day without reading past the rent figure. A lease review reads every clause and tells you where the risks and costs are — before you commit.
What a lease review checks
- Deposit — the amount, how it's held (in the UK, whether it's in a recognised protection scheme), and the grounds for deductions.
- Break clause & early exit — whether you can leave early, on what notice, and whether it's one-sided in the landlord's favour.
- Rent increases — how and when rent can rise, and whether the clause is open-ended.
- Repairs & maintenance — which obligations sit with you vs the landlord.
- Fees & charges — admin, cleaning, late-payment and end-of-tenancy fees.
- Restrictions — pets, guests, subletting and use of the property.
- Ending the tenancy — notice each side must give, and any automatic renewal.
- Joint & several liability — whether you're on the hook for housemates' rent.
Lease review vs a lawyer vs reading it yourself
| Option | Cost | Speed | Catches risky clauses? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reading it yourself | Free | Varies | Only what you recognise |
| BeforeYouSign | $2.99–$9.99 | 60 seconds | Yes — flags & explains each |
| Solicitor / attorney | $225–$1,500+ | Days | Yes — with formal advice |
Renting in the UK? See our checklist of what to check in a UK tenancy agreement, or review a different document with our full contract review service.
How it works
- Upload your lease or tenancy agreement (PDF or DOCX).
- Our AI reads every clause and flags the risky ones.
- You get a plain-English report in under 60 seconds.
Frequently asked questions
What does a lease review check?
It reads every clause and flags the ones that carry risk or cost: how your deposit is held and returned, whether there is a break clause and on what terms, how and when rent can rise, who is responsible for repairs, the fees and charges you can be billed, restrictions on pets, guests and subletting, and how the tenancy can be ended on each side. BeforeYouSign explains each in plain English.
Should I get my lease reviewed before signing?
Yes. A tenancy agreement sets what you can be charged, when you can leave, and what happens to your deposit — for the whole tenancy. Problems like a missing break clause, an open-ended rent-increase clause or an unfair fee are far easier to negotiate before you sign than to escape afterwards.
How much does it cost to get a lease reviewed?
A solicitor typically charges from around $225 to $1,500+ to review a tenancy agreement. BeforeYouSign reviews your lease for $2.99 (Quick Scan) or $9.99 (Full Analysis), with results in under 60 seconds.
What are the biggest red flags in a tenancy agreement?
The most common are: no break clause (or a one-sided one only the landlord can use), an open-ended or automatic rent-increase clause, repair obligations pushed onto the tenant, vague or excessive fees and deductions, and restrictive rules on pets, guests or subletting. A deposit not held in a recognised protection scheme (in the UK) is a serious flag.
Can I get a lease reviewed online without a lawyer?
Yes. An AI review flags the same risky clauses a lawyer looks for and explains them in plain English, instantly and cheaply. For a complex or commercial lease, use the review to find the issues first, then take those specific clauses to a qualified lawyer.
Does this work for both residential and commercial leases?
Yes — the review reads the clauses, so it works on residential tenancy agreements and commercial leases alike. The legal effect of a clause varies by jurisdiction, so treat the review as a starting point, not a substitute for local legal advice.
How long does a lease review take?
Under 60 seconds. Upload the document and the report is generated in real time.
Do you store my lease?
No. It is analysed in real time and never stored, logged, or retained. Once you leave the results page the analysis is gone.
Colin Adan is the founder of BeforeYouSign, an AI tool that flags risky clauses in everyday contracts and explains them in plain English. BeforeYouSign is not a law firm and this page is general information, not legal advice — for advice on your own situation, speak to a qualified solicitor or attorney.
Disclaimer: This is educational content, not legal advice. Contract law varies by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. Always consult a qualified legal professional before making decisions based on this information.