The part of a lease during which a party cannot end it without paying for the remaining months of the lock-in. A lease may bind only the tenant, only the landlord, or both; read which.
How it works and what to check
Residential rent agreements commonly have a short lock-in, while commercial leases often run to years. During the lock-in a party that leaves must usually pay the rent for the rest of the lock-in, unless the lease says otherwise.
Check whether the lock-in binds only the tenant or both sides, and what happens if the property becomes unusable.
Common questions
Can a landlord evict during the lock-in?
Only on the grounds the lease allows, such as non-payment, if the lock-in binds the landlord. Read the clause.
Is a lock-in common in rent agreements?
Yes. Residential agreements often have a lock-in of a few months; commercial leases usually longer.