Leases

Leases (Contratos de Arrendamiento) are a boon to translators. They are long (high word count) and they are predictable. After you have translated a half a dozen of them, the rest come naturally, or should at least. They almost invariably consist of several pages of clauses with:

The parties, in other words, the Lessor (Arrendador) and the Lessee (Arrendatario) and the names and addresses of their representatives. Note: when reviewing a translation of a lease, make sure that you have not put Lessor instead of Lessee or vice versa. Not that you would consciously do so, but fingers have a way of slipping from time to time.

The property being leased (local arrendado): its location and dimensions.

Things the lessor can do: visit and check up on his (its) property.

Things the lessee can do: make improvements, conduct his (its) business stated in the lease and the necessary permission required to do so. Sometimes the lessor gets to keep these improvements if they are part of the structure.

The amount or price of the lease, defined in monthly payments or rent.

The duration of the lease and renewals.

Termination of the lease, the reasons for doing so and the consequences.

Date and signatures.

Sometimes there will be attachments. I particularly like translating this part of leases because it talks about the building's different rooms and furnishings. Sometimes there will be a detailed drawing of the building or office.

Most of the leases I translate originate from Mexico and Argentina. Can anyone compare terms and features of leases from these countries with other countries according to your experience? Is there anything I have left out you would like to comment on? The floor is yours!

ALL CAPS IN MEXICAN LEGAL DOCUMENTS

I have just read this interesting discussion thread at ProZ. The posters make a good point: all upper case letters can appear offensive to the reader. I, for one say that it is a good idea to mirror the source document when translating legal texts. I feel that it makes them look more "authentic" albeit "annoying" to some.

The Yndigo blog has a post on typography that talks about where to draw the line when it comes to copying the original formatting of the source document. (The all caps debate would fall into this category).