Lease Agreement Template
All states | 17 types
A lease agreement is a written document you and your landlord sign when renting a property. It spells out important things like the rent cost, who looks after the property, and what both the tenant and the landlord are responsible for.
Using a lease agreement template helps both sides because it provides a clear and easy-to-fill document. For landlords, it makes the process faster and ensures everything follows the law. For tenants, it makes the rental terms easy to understand, so everyone knows what to expect during the lease.
What Are the Types of Lease Agreements?
There are several other types of lease agreements, each catering to different rental needs:
Key Terms in a Lease Agreement
- Rent: This is the sum of money that a renter pays their landlord in exchange for having the use of their property.
- Security Deposit: A refundable sum of money collected to cover potential damages.
- Lease Period: The length of time the lease is in effect, typically 12 months.
- Notice Term: The amount of time required to inform the other party of intent to vacate or renew the lease.
- Property Maintenance Duties: Specifies whether the landlord or tenant is in charge of upkeep and repairs.
How To Lease a Property: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the rental unit
Before listing your property for rent, make sure it’s ready to show to potential tenants. This includes making sure the property is kept clean, properly maintained, and meets any applicable local laws. Then, list the rental on real estate-specific platforms.
Tips for preparing the unit:
- Repair any broken fixtures or appliances.
- Clean the space thoroughly, focusing on high-traffic areas.
- Take high-quality photos for online listings.
2. Tenant views the space
Once the property is listed, potential tenants will start scheduling viewings. This is a critical part of the leasing process, as it allows the tenant to physically inspect the space and see if it meets their needs.
Be prepared to answer questions about the property’s features, utilities, and lease terms during the tour.
3. Obtain a rental application
After a tenant shows interest, the next step is to provide them with a rental application. This document collects important information about the applicant, helping the landlord assess whether they are a suitable candidate for the property.
Applicant details to include in a rental application:
- Full name and current address;
- Employment information;
- Income verification (e.g., pay stubs or tax returns);
- Contact information for previous landlords;
- Consent for a credit check.
4. Screen the applicant
Once the application is completed, it’s time to screen the applicant. This usually involves conducting a credit check and looking into public records to determine if the tenant has any past evictions or legal issues related to rental properties.
5. Verify references
Contacting the applicant’s previous landlords and employers is an important step in assessing their reliability as a tenant. This gives insight into their rental history and financial stability, helping landlords make informed decisions when finalizing a rental lease agreement.
Questions to ask a previous landlord:
- Did the tenant consistently pay rent on time?
- Were there any instances of the tenant breaking the lease agreement?
- Why did the tenant move out?
- Was the property damaged in any way by the tenant?
- Would you be willing to rent to this tenant again?
6. Negotiate the lease
Once the tenant is approved, both parties can begin negotiating the terms of the lease. Certain aspects, like the amount of rent, the security deposit, and the utilities included, might be negotiable, while others, like the included utilities, might not be. This procedure is made much simpler by using a lease template from Lawrina, as the filling process is automated and resembles an interview.
Typical topics to discuss before signing the rental agreement form:
- The monthly rent price;
- Amount and terms of the security deposit;
- Responsibility for paying utilities like water, gas, and electricity;
- Fees for pets, parking, or access to amenities;
- Lease duration and renewal terms;
- Maintenance responsibilities and who handles repairs;
- Terms for breaking the lease early or subletting.
7. Renters contract signing
After finalizing the terms, it’s time for both parties to sign the blank lease agreement. Once signed, the lease becomes legally binding for the duration of its term, typically 12 months. Signing can be done in person or electronically using a free Lawrina e-sign.
Documents required at tenant lease agreement signing:
- Tenant identification (e.g., driver’s license or passport);
- First month’s rent;
- Security deposit.
8. Taking occupancy
Once the printable lease agreement is signed and the initial payments are made, the tenant can take occupancy of the property. It’s important for both parties to complete a move-in inspection of the leasing agreement on the condition of the property at the start of the lease.
Protect the security deposit:
- Complete a move-in checklist and take photos of the property’s condition.
- Note any existing damages or maintenance issues.
9. End of tenancy
As the lease term comes to an end, the landlord must decide whether to renew or terminate the rental lease template. Typically, a notice for lease renewal or termination is provided 30 to 90 days prior to the lease’s expiration date. If the lease is terminated, the landlord must return the tenant’s security deposit minus any deductions for damages.
Landlord's choices:
- Extend the Lease: Offer the tenant a lease renewal agreement to continue the rental.
- End the Lease: Issue a non-renewal lease letter, allowing the tenant time to move out.
Renting a property involves a detailed process to ensure that both the landlord and tenant are secure and content with the generic lease agreement. By understanding each step — from preparing the rental unit to terminating the lease — you can navigate the process with confidence. A well-prepared rent agreement form not only protects your property but also establishes a positive landlord-tenant relationship.
State Law
Knowing the state laws where you are signing a residential lease agreement is essential. For example, in New York, Texas, and Pennsylvania, lease agreements do not have to be notarized because they are treated the same as standard contracts.
In Ohio, if you sign a lease agreement for three years or longer or have a lease that converts automatically and extends more than three years, it might require notarization.
In the state of Washington, leases that last more than 12 months must be notarized to be valid. If you have a lease that restricts the landlord from increasing rent during the length of the agreement, that also has to be notarized to be legally valid.
Below see the table of state-specific landlord-tenant laws across the U.S.
Ala. Code §§ 35-9-1 to 35-9-100
Alaska Stat. §§ 34.03.010 to 34.03.380
Ariz. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 12-1171 to 12-1183; 33-301 to 36-1637
Ark. Code Ann. §§ 18-16-101 to 18-17-913
Cal. Civ. Code §§ 789.3 to 827; 1925 to 2079.10a
Colo. Rev. Stat. §§ 13-40-101 to 13-40.1-102
Conn. Gen. Stat. Ann. §§ 47a-1 to 47a-74
Del. Code Ann. Tit. 25, Part III, Chapters 51-59, §§ 5101 to 5907
Fla. Stat. Ann. Title 6, Chapter 83 §§ 83.40 to 83.683
Ga. Code Ann. §§ 44-7-1 to 44-7-81
Haw. Rev. Stat., Title 28, §§ 521-1 to 521-83
Idaho Code, Title 55, Chapter 3 §§55-301 to 55-308
765 Ill. Comp. Stat. Chapter 765 §§ 705/0.01 to 755/999
Ind. Code Ann. §§ 32, Art. 31
Iowa Code Ann. Title XIV § 562A
Kan. Stat. Ann. Chapter 58, Art. 25
Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title XXXII, Chapter 383
La. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 9 §§ 9:3251 to 9:3261.2
Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 14, Part 7, Chapter 710 §§ 14:6021 to 14:6030
Md. Code Ann. Title 8, Subtitles 1-5 §§ 8-101 to 8-604
Mass. Gen. Laws Ann. Part II, title I, chapter 186, section 15 b
Mich. Comp. Laws §§ 554.131 to 554.139
Minn. Stat. Ann. §§ 500-515B; 504B
Miss. Code Ann. Title 89, Chapter 7 §§ 89-7-1 to 89-8-29
Mo. Rev. Stat. Title XXIX, §§ 441.005 to 535.300
Mont. Code Ann. Title 70, Chapter 24 §§ 70-24-101 to 70-27-117
Neb. Rev. Stat. Chapter 69 §§ 69-2302 to 69-2314
Nev. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title 10, Chapter 118A
N.H. Rev. Stat. Ann. Title XLVIII §§ 477:4-g to 540:29
N.J. Stat. Ann. Title 46, sections 46:8:45-46:8:49.1
N.M. Stat. Ann. §§ 47-8-8 to 47-8-51
N.Y. Real Prop. Law Art. 7 §§ 220 to 238; Real Prop. Acts §§ 701 to 768
N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 42
N.D. Cent. Code Title 47 §§ 47-06-04; 47-16
Ohio Rev. Code Ann. Title 53, Chapter 5321 §§ 5321.01 to 5321.19
Okla. Stat. Ann. tit. 41, §§ 101 to 201
Or. Rev. Stat. Volume 03 Chapter 090 §§ 90.100 to 90.493
68 Pa. Cons. Stat. Ann. §§ 250.101 to 399.18
R.I. Gen. Laws Title 34 §§ 34-18-1 to 34-18-57
S.C. Code Ann. Title 27, Chapter 33, §§ 27-33-10 to 27-33-50
S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-1 to 43-32-36
Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 66-7-101 to 66-7-111
Tex. Prop. Code Ann. §§ 91.001 to 91.006
Utah Code Ann. Title 57,Chapter 22, sections 1–6
Vt. Stat. Ann. Title 9, Chapter 137 §§ 4451 to 4475
Va. Code Ann. Title 55.1, Chapter 12, articles 1–7
Wash. Rev. Code Ann. Title 59 §§ 59.04 to 59.30
W.Va. Code Chapter 37, Article 6 §§ 37-6-1 to 37-6-30
Wis. Stat. Ann. §§ 704.01 to 704.95
Wyo. Stat. §§ 1-21-1202 to 1-21-1211
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Frequently Asked Questions
Leases are either cancellable or noncancellable. A cancellable lease enables the lessee or the lessor to terminate the rental period without consequences and extra fees. A noncancellable lease prevents either party from terminating the lease before the agreed end date. The deposit and all related expenses are nonrefundable.
In rental agreements, landlords should specify the cancellation period so that tenants can recover any fees that they are legally entitled to.
Your residential lease agreement helps specify the lease rules and regulations for your tenants. If you wish to rent out a room in your house where other lessees live, the residential lease agreement is essential to equally set forth the lease terms for your property. You can also avoid misunderstandings between tenants and have available the detailed lease agreement to address any issues.
When the lease is about to end, the lessee should decide whether he or she wants to continue leasing the property or move out. If the tenant wishes to stay, the landlord can agree to a “periodic tenancy,” in which the lessee pays rent for as long as he or she continues living on the property. Another option is to sign a new rental lease agreement in which both parties renegotiate and agree on a new lease period and other relevant terms and conditions. The lessor may increase the rent in such cases, so it is critical to have a clear discussion on the terms before signing the new rental agreement.
If the lessee decides to vacate the property on a scheduled date, he or she should notify the landlord at least a month or up to three months in advance, as agreed upon by the parties. With this type of proper notice, the deposit should be timely refunded, absent any other factors, such as damage to the property.
If you need to submit a document verifying your place of residence, your rental lease agreement will typically be acceptable. The lease agreement should be reflective of your current living situation, so make sure it is updated and complies with your state law regulations. It is important to verify that the address reflected on the lease agreement is accurate before submitting a copy of it for residential verification purposes.