What is the purpose of an "addendum" to a lease?

An addendum to a lease serves the specific purpose of adding new terms or modifying existing ones in the original lease agreement. It acts as an official supplementary document that clarifies or changes certain aspects of the lease without needing to rewrite the entire agreement. This could include adjustments to rental payment timelines, pet policies, or property maintenance responsibilities, among other things.

The nature of an addendum is such that it allows both parties—landlord and tenant—to document their consent to these changes formally, thereby maintaining the integrity of their original agreement while adapting to new circumstances. Understanding this function helps in managing lease agreements effectively, ensuring that all parties remain informed and compliant with any updates.

Other options reflect actions that either do not fall within the scope of an addendum, such as completely canceling the lease or simply outlining rules without modification, or they suggest a more extensive change, like extending the leasing period, which might require a more formal amendment rather than just an addendum.