What document should a tenant receive before signing a lease?

A tenant should receive the full lease agreement outlining terms and conditions before signing a lease because this document is crucial for understanding the responsibilities and rights of both the tenant and the landlord. The lease agreement provides detailed information regarding rent amounts, payment schedules, security deposits, maintenance responsibilities, and any rules or restrictions applicable to the property. This transparency ensures that the tenant is fully informed of what they are agreeing to and helps prevent potential disputes later on. Access to this documentation is legally mandated in many jurisdictions to protect the interests of all parties involved in the rental transaction.

While other options may provide valuable information, none are as fundamental as the lease agreement itself, which is the binding contract that establishes the legal relationship between the tenant and the landlord.