Generic lease forms lack landlord- and building-specific policies, which must be supplemented via riders. Landlords and property managers use riders to clarify and add lease terms to lease agreements so that tenants fully understand their rights and responsibilities.
How a Lease Rider Works
Landlords may use generic lease forms that don't include terms that will apply to the specific rental property. They may attach a rider to the agreement which outlines policies for pets, guests and rent-payment grace periods. Riders become a part of the lease and the tenant is obligated to comply with the rider's terms.
Regulation of Lease Riders
Landlords can use lease riders to notify tenants about certain rights. For example, in New York City, landlords of rent-stabilized housing must provide tenants with a lease rider that explains rent-control laws. Landlord-tenant laws prohibit lease riders that violate rental laws and regulations. For example, if landlord-tenant law gives tenants the right to a court hearing before an eviction, a landlord can't add a lease rider to waive the tenant's right to an eviction hearing.