Why demand the first month's rent when signing a lease?

Too many owners still ignore this, but it is perfectly legal to request the first month of rent from a tenant upon signing the lease, even if the move-in is done several months later.

In fact, signing of the lease marks the beginning of the contract between tenant and owner. The latter can therefore request the first month’s rent by certified check, bank transfer or in cash, which he may receive as soon as the lease has been signed.

Requiring the first month of rent this early in the renting process gives the owner a security insurance in the event of a problem occurring before the tenant takes possession of the premises. It is not uncommon for tenants to abandon their responsibilities even after having signed a lease. In this case, the owner must re-rent their dwelling as soon as possible, while also assuring being paid by the first tenant.

It is in this type of context that the first month’s rent prooves useful: by collecting it upon signing of the lease, the landlord ensures that the tenant will be able to pay two rents in the same month.

This is why CORPIQ recommends that all owners conscientiously complete section D of the lease, particularly the line dedicated to the "first term". For optimal security, enter the date of the contract in the space reserved for the payment date.

Finally, asking for the first month of rent allows the owner to quickly establish the tenant's responsibilities so as to leave no doubt about his obligations. CORPIQ recalls that it is important to take this opportunity to establish the date, place and method of payment of each rent, and to explain the importance of paying the lease in due-time.