Acceptance of premises in 'as-is' condition

Reviewed by Marcus A. Hall, Founder
Worth a closer look
Legal in most places, but pushy — try to negotiate.
Quick answer

'As-is' means you accept current cosmetic condition — but it doesn't waive the warranty of habitability. Document everything at move-in.

Is this clause in your lease?

Upload your lease and we'll flag this clause (and every other red flag) in 30 seconds — free.

What it actually means

As-is protects the landlord from complaints about scuffs, wear, or minor issues visible at move-in. It's standard.

It does NOT waive hidden defects, code violations, or uninhabitable conditions. Those are the landlord's problem regardless of what you signed.

What it looks like in a lease

"Tenant accepts the Premises in 'as-is' condition and waives any claims for pre-existing cosmetic defects."

What to watch for

  • Whether habitability is excepted
  • Whether latent defects are excepted

How to negotiate it

Ask for: 'as-is for cosmetic condition; landlord warrants habitability and working systems.'

When it crosses into a red flag

  • Waives all claims including habitability

Frequently asked questions

Does as-is mean I can't complain about anything?

No — hidden defects, safety issues, and code violations are still the landlord's responsibility.

Related clauses

General information, not legal advice. Clauses are interpreted differently across states and courts. For a binding interpretation of your specific lease, consult a licensed attorney in your state.

Chat with VincentTenant-rights AI