When renting a house you'll probably be asked to sign a lease. This is a normal procedure. However, there are several things you want to make sure are stipulated in the lease.

First, make sure that the time frame of the lease is clearly indicated. Make sure that the penalty for breaking the lease is spelled out in detail.

Examine the lease to determine if there are conditions allowing the landlord to nullify the lease. Nullification is when the landlord decides to break the lease and ask you to vacate the property. If there are nullification clauses make sure they provide you with a reasonable time to vacate the property. Remember, you'll also need some time to find another house so be sure the time frame is adequate.

Also make sure there is some text in the lease to cover subletting. Subletting is where you the renter have the right to rent the property to another renter. Many leases don't provide for subletting. If you can live with that, fine. If you want to reserve the right to sublet then make sure the terms of your lease allow it.