What is the proper way to modify a lease

[Mark Husband-Wood]

I understand that it is best to write the lease as intended in the first place.  But, let's assume that's not possible.

If something in a lease needs to be changed/modified, what is the best way to do so?  

Cross out the portion you want to change, and hand write the desired words?  Then sign/initial and date the change?

Does the tenant also have to sign/initial and date the change to signify agreement?

Thanks!

[Richard F.]

Aloha,

Minor deletions, corrections, or changes should be lined out with a single line, never scribbled out, whited out and re-typed over, or blacked out. Changed text would be added above/below, but should be minimal. All parties initial above/below the lined out portion.  Entire paragraphs/sections can be X'd out, again, using a single "X" for entire paragraph, with all parties initialing. For extensive text changes (more than a simple correction or date change) it is always best to use an addendum that refers to the original document, including the date if it is a prior signed doc, naming all parties, with all signing in full and dating to current date. An addendum should also be used if the "change" is for extending an initial term, or changing one or more of the parties or some other material aspect of the original terms, such as increase in rent.