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My wife is doing a master in New York and we have 2 weeks here, and we found an apartment but we are confused with the way they handle the contracts.

First they told us via email that pets are allowed but the contract they later sent said that pets are not allowed. After we asked about that (because we don't want to sign it as we have a pet) they said that we can cross out that part.

Is this a common practice in USA? In my country when this happens the contract is rewritten and reprinted.

Another doubt is, we are running this contract with a broker, so they are a third party company, but my wife and I are the first who need to sign, is it possible for the landlord to un-cross out what we crossed out about the allowance of pets?

Glorfindel
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Frases De Urbanos
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2 Answers2

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It isn't uncommon to interlineate contract language, or to cross out contract language, with the initials of the parties to the contract.

This is normally only done with smaller businesses, however, where there is someone who has the authority to do so. Some contracts, such as insurance contracts, for example, have to have their language approved by state regulators before they can be used and can't be modified in that fashion.

ohwilleke
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Yes, but note that all parties should sign their initials and date next to the change, so that if it is later disputed no-one can claim the contract was fraudulently modified after signing. For the same reason you should get a copy of the exact version you signed, with changes, initials and final signature for your records.

You see this kind of things with small businesses using model contracts not well customized to their needs like landlords, but wouldn't see it in dealing with large businesses (where the contract for services is usually take it or leave it), or some specific contract negotiated with a lawyer like a freelancer.

Glorfindel
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Phyzz
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