A pre-existing agreement or arrangement concerning a rental property, often established before a new law or regulation, is sometimes allowed to continue under the previous terms. For instance, if a city enacts a new ordinance requiring all rental units to have carbon monoxide detectors, a property already leased without them might be exempt from immediate compliance. This exemption typically applies only to the existing agreement and may not extend to future tenants or renewals.
Allowing these prior arrangements to persist can provide stability for both landlords and tenants, avoiding disruptive and potentially costly immediate changes. It acknowledges the binding nature of contracts signed in good faith under previous rules. Historically, this practice has played a role in managing transitions during periods of regulatory change in the rental market. Understanding this concept helps clarify rights and obligations related to older agreements.
