The Hidden Leases That Come With Your New Home: What Buyers & Sellers Must Know Before Closing

"You’re not just buying a home—you’re inheriting every password, panel, and peeping camera that comes with it."

You found the perfect home. Granite countertops. Big yard. Even a water filtration system already installed. But buried under the charm is something most buyers don’t ask—and most sellers forget to explain: Who owns that smart system, solar panel array, or septic service?

Because while you’re buying the house, you may also be inheriting contracts, passwords, monthly fees, and even hidden surveillance access that could linger long after move-in.

Smart Home Systems & Security Contracts

Today’s homes aren’t just built with bricks—they’re wired with tech. From app-controlled door locks and video doorbells to smart thermostats and entire surveillance systems, modern buyers often inherit more than just square footage—they inherit the previous owner's settings, logins, and digital footprints. And that’s where things get risky.

Most buyers don’t realize the original homeowner may still have access to the security system, cameras, or even smart appliances unless those accounts are fully reset. It’s not just about convenience—it’s about privacy and safety. Imagine moving your family into a new home only to realize the Ring camera or Nest thermostat is still connected to someone else's app. You’d never know who might be watching—or listening.

Tip for buyers: Always reset smart home devices or replace them entirely if you’re unsure. Don't assume it's been handled.

“Don’t just take over their settings—take back your privacy.”

It’s not paranoia—it’s protection. In the age of smart homes, safeguarding your space means reclaiming control of every device tied to it.

This one goes beyond contracts or equipment—it's about your peace of mind. While it may seem like just another to-do on the moving checklist, updating or resetting your home’s security system is a deeply personal layer of protection.

Buyers must take the time to change login credentials on systems like Ring, ADT, SimpliSafe, and any other app-connected surveillance device. These systems don’t just monitor break-ins—they capture routines, record video, and sometimes offer two-way audio access. If those settings and permissions aren’t wiped clean, someone else—like the previous owner—might still have a virtual key to your home.

And here’s where it hits emotionally:

“The last thing you want is an ex-owner checking in on your kids through the baby monitor they forgot to mention.”

That’s not just unsettling. It’s unacceptable.

So while securing your home’s locks is a given, securing its digital boundaries should be too. Because in today’s world, safety isn’t just about who has the key—it’s about who still has the code.

Solar Panels: Lease Now, Regret Later?

Solar panels may look sleek and eco-friendly, but there’s often more behind them than clean energy. In many cases, those shiny panels aren’t owned—they’re leased. And those leases typically span 15 to 25 years, making them a long-term financial commitment that doesn’t automatically disappear at closing.

For buyers, this can be a hidden trap. If a solar panel lease is still active, the buyer must either agree to assume the remaining payments or negotiate for the seller to pay off the balance before the sale finalizes. It's not a simple line item—it’s a binding agreement that can carry serious weight in the eyes of lenders.

If this piece isn’t handled clearly upfront, it can throw a wrench into the entire deal. Some lenders won’t approve financing until the lease terms are settled and everyone agrees who’s paying what.

So whether you’re buying or selling, don’t just admire the panels—ask about the paperwork behind them. Because solar savings are great… until a mystery lease stops your closing cold.

Water Filtration Systems: Hidden Assets or Surprise Bills?

Water filtration systems often feel like a bonus—crystal-clear drinking water, softer showers, fewer chemicals. But beneath that clean convenience lies a murky reality: who actually owns the system?

In some cases, sellers assume the system is personal property and remove it before closing, leaving buyers surprised to find it gone. In other cases, the system is leased, and the buyer unknowingly inherits monthly payments—only to be blindsided by a bill after moving in.

These misunderstandings can lead to frustration, finger-pointing, or even post-closing disputes. That’s why clarity is crucial.

Set expectations clearly in the contract. Make it known whether the system is staying, going, or under a lease that must be transferred, paid off, or canceled. Whether it’s a countertop filter or a whole-house setup, don’t leave the conversation out of the deal.

Because when it comes to water filtration, what seems like a small detail can easily leave a sour taste.

Septic System Service Agreements: The Quiet Contract Buyers Miss

In rural or semi-rural areas, a home with a septic system often comes with more than just a tank in the ground—it may also carry a yearly service contract or inspection agreement with a local company. And unless someone points it out, most buyers don’t even know it exists.

These agreements can include maintenance fees, pump schedules, or monitoring costs that are billed annually, sometimes upfront. While a buyer can choose to pay for the remainder of the year and then switch providers later, they need to be told—clearly and early in the process.

The problem? Title companies don’t always flag these service agreements, especially if they’re not tied to the deed. That means unless your agent or the seller discloses it, you might close on a home and find yourself responsible for a contract you didn’t sign.

It’s not just about money—it’s about control.Make sure buyers know who’s been servicing the system, how often, and whether they’re stepping into a fresh start or someone else’s obligation. Because when it comes to septic, what’s underground shouldn’t stay in the dark.

You’re not just buying square footage—you’re buying everything that’s tied to it. And in today’s smart home era, that could include contracts, subscriptions, passwords, and cameras still watching. So ask the questions. Negotiate the terms. And make sure your new start doesn’t come with someone else’s leftovers.

Amanda Allen, Realtor

📞 903-603-0648

Selling homes since 2017 — but more than that, I help families navigate some of the biggest decisions of their lives with clarity, care, and straight answers. Whether you're ready to list or just gathering info, I’m here to guide you, not pressure you.

Let’s make your next move smooth, smart, and successful.

Buying & Selling Tips | Amanda Allen Homes