Leases and contracts
Leases and contracts: find the words that change the deal
A lease can give you something in one line and take it back with one word. LexyRead helps you spot words like unless, except and notwithstanding before you sign.
Try it on your own text
Three lines to try
Read each line. Before you open it, decide which word changes the meaning.
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The tenant may keep one pet unless the landlord objects in writing within 10 days.
Check my reading
The deciding wordsThe tenant may keep one pet unless the landlord objects in writing within 10 days.
Easy to read asThe tenant may keep one pet.
What it actually saysThe tenant may keep one pet, but the landlord can still say no in writing within 10 days.
Without “unless the landlord objects in writing within 10 days”, the permission could not be taken back this way.
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Notwithstanding Section 4, the deposit is non-refundable.
Check my reading
The deciding wordsNotwithstanding Section 4, the deposit is non-refundable.
Easy to read asSection 4 decides what happens to the deposit.
What it actually saysThis sentence wins over Section 4: whatever Section 4 says, the deposit is not refunded.
Without “Notwithstanding Section 4”, the two sections could seem to conflict.
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The deposit will be returned within 30 days, except for amounts used to repair damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Check my reading
The deciding wordsThe deposit will be returned within 30 days, except for amounts used to repair damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Easy to read asThe whole deposit comes back within 30 days.
What it actually saysThe deposit comes back within 30 days, minus what is used to repair damage beyond normal wear and tear.
Without “except for amounts used to repair damage…”, the whole deposit would come back.
How LexyRead helps
Bring your own text
Paste or upload the document you actually have to read.
Find the word first
You pick the word you think decides the meaning before anything is shown.
Check against the exact words
LexyRead marks a word only when changing it would change the meaning, and shows the line it comes from.
LexyRead is reading practice. It is not legal advice. For what a clause means where you live, ask a lawyer or a tenant help service.
Try it on your own text
LexyRead keeps the original text in front of you. It does not summarize it.
Try it on your own text