The lease clauses Philippine landlords keep forgetting

Updated May 29, 2026
ByAtty. Patricia Lim · Lim Property Law
6,120 views

Summary

Security deposits, escalation, and pre-termination are where most rental disputes begin. Put them in writing.

Lease & tenancy

Most residential lease disputes in the Philippines are not about rent — they are about the deposit, and about who decided what at the end of the term.

Spell out the deposit terms

Spell out the deposit's purpose, the deductions allowed, and the number of days within which it must be returned. Silence favors nobody.

A landlord and tenant reviewing a lease agreement.
A landlord and tenant reviewing a lease agreement.

Add an escalation clause, a pre-termination clause with a clear notice period, and an explicit rule on who shoulders association dues and repairs.

Under the Rent Control Act, some increases are capped for covered units. Check whether your unit qualifies before you send a notice.

#Lease agreements#Rent Control Act

Atty. Patricia Lim

May 29, 2026

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