Frequently Asked Questions for Renters

Q: Can a landlord enter the property whenever they want?

A: No. While they have the right to enter the property to do routine maintenance, inspections, etc, they should give you reasonable notice before entering the property.

Q: Do I need Renters Insurance?

A: YES. The landlord isn’t able to insure your personal property through their property insurance policy. The responsibility of insuring your personal property, anything that you bring into the home, is yours.

Q: Do I have to pay a deposit?

A: Yes. On Guam, landlords normally ask for a security deposit equal to one month’s rent. This is refundable in 30 days (3 days if your military) provided there are no damages caused by you that require repair.

Q: What maintenance am I’m responsible for?

A: It depends on your lease. Read it carefully before signing.

Q: What do I do if the landlord refuses to maintain the things he promised in the contract.

A: First, make sure to keep a record of all your requests for repairs. If, after one or two attempts, no action has been taken in a reasonable time, make the request in writing and consult with an attorney for advice.

Q: What term should I sign a lease for?

A: This is a personal choice. If you’re sure, based on what you’ve seen, that this is the place for you, consider signing a 2 or 3 year lease, particularly if market conditions suggest the rent could increase in the near future. If you’re not so concerned about that, a year lease is the minimum term most landlords require on Guam.

Q: How much can my rent be increased at the end of my lease?

A: That depends on the terms of your agreement. If there’s nothing specified, the owner may increase the rent to reflect the current market price, or more.

Q: What do I do when the landlord says I haven’t paid the rent?

A: It’s your responsibility to pay the rent, so it’s important that you have some proof of payment. This can be in the form of a cancelled check, bank deposit receipt, etc. Always leave a paper trail you can refer to down the road when you need it. You can always ask your landlord for a receipt.

Q: Can my landlord take my property if I fall behind in rent payments?

A: Not without court order. Otherwise, taking your property without permission is considered theft.

Q: Can I end my lease early?

A: In some cases, there may be a clause in the agreement releasing you from responsibility in the even you leave Guam for certain reasons. This is generally reserved for the military, but can be applicable to everyone. The best thing to do is discuss potential early termination with your landlord and try to come to some kind of agreement with them.

Q: Can I stay beyond my lease term or do I have to sign another contract?

A: Yes, if both you and the owner agree, the contract can continue under the same terms, and you don’t have to sign another lease. In most cases, a “holding over” clause is in rental contracts on Guam.

Q: What if my landlord refuses to return my deposit?

A: A deposit is there to cover any money you still owe your landlord, and to cover the cost of damages causes by you that need repair before another tenant can move in.

Being a Good Tenant

Landlords are usually reasonable people that have made an investment in a property and want to make it pay. In most cases, informal negotiations can resolve any conflicts and keep the peace.

• Make your rent payments on time.
• Keep the property and surrounding area clean and in good condition.
• Keep the noise level low.
• Keep your landlord informed when you may be leaving island for more than a day or two.
• Notify your landlord of any repairs that need to be made immediately. Particularly if it’s a problem that may cause damage to the property (i.e., water leaks).
• Give the landlord at least 30 days notice when you plan to move out and reasonably accommodate showings for new prospective tenants.