Skip to content
LeaseACondo

renters

How to lease a condo

By LeaseACondo Editorial Team, Editorial · Updated Aug 14, 2026

Short answer

Leasing a condo adds one step that renting an apartment does not: the condominium association usually has to approve you, and that approval has its own application, fee and timeline on top of the owner's.

Why leasing a condo is different

When you rent an apartment from a management company, one party decides. When you lease a condo, there are usually two: the owner (or their agent) and the condominium association.

The typical sequence

  1. Shortlist units. Compare estimated total monthly cost, not base rent.
  2. Confirm the building's rental rules. Minimum lease term, maximum leases per year, pet limits and parking allocation are set by the association.
  3. View the unit. Confirm what is included and the condition of appliances.
  4. Submit the owner's application. Income proof, ID, references.
  5. Submit the association application. This is separate, usually has its own non-refundable fee, and may require an interview.
  6. Wait for approval. Build this time into your move date.
  7. Sign, pay move-in costs, collect keys and elevator booking.

What to budget for

Base rent is rarely the whole number. Add mandatory monthly fees, parking, pet fees, utilities not included, the security deposit, the owner's application fee, the association application fee, any move-in fee or refundable elevator deposit, and a broker fee where one applies.

Before you sign

Ask for the rules in writing. If a building rule is quoted to you verbally and it affects your decision, ask for the section of the declaration or the rules document it comes from.

Sources

Rental law varies by country, state and municipality. This guide is general information and is not legal advice. Confirm the rules that apply to your specific building and jurisdiction.