The Long-Term Rental Lease: A Tenant's Guide

Rent timing and late fees, the security deposit, repairs, entry notice, ending the lease early, and the house rules — everything in the CaribiDreams long-term lease, explained.

Renting a home long-term in St. Vincent & the Grenadines means signing a fixed-term residential lease. This guide explains the CaribiDreams standard lease in plain terms so you know what to expect before you sign. All amounts are in East Caribbean dollars (EC$ / XCD); the rent and deposit are set per property and written into your individual lease.

The headline terms

Minimum term: one (1) year — a fixed-term tenancy with stated start and end dates.
At signing: both the first month's rent and the security deposit are due together.
Extending: the lease can only continue past its end date if landlord and tenant agree in writing — there is no automatic "holding over."

Rent: how much, when, and how

Rent is a fixed monthly amount, paid in advance, due on the 30th of each month.
Rent paid after the 7th of the month is treated as late.
Accepted payment methods are cash and personal check, paid to the landlord in person or by mail.

Late fees

If rent is not paid within 15 days after the due date, a late fee of 5% of the outstanding balance per day applies for each day it remains late. Because it compounds daily, always pay as early as possible. Tip: pay by the 7th to avoid any late fee.

The security deposit

Held by the landlord as security for your performance under the lease.
Cannot be used as your last month's rent.
Refunded in full within 7 days of the lease ending, provided the home is returned in the same condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted). Any amount withheld is explained to you in writing.

Repairs & upkeep

You accept the home, appliances, and fixtures in their current good condition at move-in — note any existing damage in writing at move-in.
You keep the home clean, sanitary, and in good repair, and handle general maintenance. Report larger repairs to the landlord.
The landlord maintains the grounds.
You reimburse the landlord for repairs needed due to your own misuse or neglect.

Landlord entry

The landlord may enter after giving at least 48 hours' notice — to inspect, make repairs, or show the home to a prospective tenant, buyer, or lender.
In a genuine emergency (fire, flood, imminent danger), the landlord may enter at any time without notice.

Ending the lease early

You may end your responsibility for the remaining rent by giving the landlord written notice of at least 30 days and paying all rent and charges through the date you move out. If you don't move out on time or don't pay through your move-out date, the early termination is void. You enjoy "quiet enjoyment" of the home for the term as long as you meet your obligations.

If you default

A default is any failure to meet the lease terms (including late rent). The landlord may give you a chance to fix it; for an uncorrected non-rent default, or for failure to pay rent on time, the landlord may terminate with 30 days' written notice. You remain liable for rent, charges, late fees, the cost of remedying defaults, and damages.

The house rules

Utilities: the tenant pays for all utilities and services, except any the lease specifically says the landlord covers.
No subletting or assignment of the lease.
Alterations, additions, or improvements (and lock changes) require the landlord's written consent first; alterations become the landlord's property; give the landlord copies of any new keys.
Smoking: prohibited indoors; allowed on the balcony only.
Occupancy: the home is for you and your immediate family, for residential use only.
Fire / casualty: if the home becomes uninhabitable after a fire or serious accident, either side may end the lease, with rent owed only up to that day and any prepaid rent refunded.
Disputes are resolved through mediation.

Looking for a home to rent?

Browse homes & land or contact our team and we'll help you find the right long-term rental.