Standard Lease Agreement

Massachusetts Standard 1 Year Residential Lease Agreement Template 1 pdf Massachusetts Residential Lease Agreement Template

What’s included in a Massachusetts Residential Lease Agreement Form?

  1. Lease Terms – The rental period (month-to-month or fixed-term).
  2. Rent Payment Amount, Late Fees, and Methods $ – List the rent amount, due date, late fees, and payment methods.
  3. Security Deposit – The deposit amount, location, and return rules.
  4. Responsibilities – The Landlord and Tenant responsibilities/duties for repairs and bills.
  5. Property Use – The rules on pets, subleasing, and any changes to the property.
  6. Ending the Lease – The eviction and move-out rules.
  7. Legal Rules – Follows the Massachusetts rental laws. [mass.gov]

Sample

Maryland Standard 1 Year Residential Lease Agreement Template pdf Maryland Residential Lease Agreement Template

Required Landlord / Tenant Disclosure Forms in Maryland (6)

  1. Agent/Landlord – The landlord or agent’s name and contact details must be visible in the lease or posted.
  2. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and EPA Pamphlet – Required for properties built before 1978, informing tenants of potential lead hazards.
  3. Security Deposit Receipt – Landlords must provide the tenant’s security deposit receipt.
  4. Move-in/Move-out Checklist [PDF] – Given before move-in to track damages and determine deposit deductions.
  5. Habitability – Landlords must ensure the property is livable and outline responsibilities for utilities and repairs.
  6. Utility Billing Disclosure (RUBS) [PDF] – Landlords must explain how shared utility costs are billed.

Security Deposit Laws and Returning Requirements

  • Maximum Amount – Two months’ rent.
  • Returning Deposit to Tenant – Landlords must return the deposit within 45 days after the Tenant moves out.

Rent Payment Laws and Late Fees

  • Grace Period – No statute.
  • Maximum Late Fee – Up to 5% of the monthly rent.
  • NSF Fee – $35 for a bounced rent check.

Sample Maryland Residential Lease Agreement

Sources

  1. § 8–210(a)(1)
  2. § 8–203(c)(1)
  3. § 8–203.1
  4. § 8–203.1(a)
  5. § 8–208(c)
  6. § 8–212.4(c)(1)
  7. § 8–203(b)(1)
  8. § 8–203(e)(1)
  9. § 8–203(g)(1)
  10. § 8–401(c)(1)
  11. § 15-803(a)
Louisiana 1 Year Residential Lease Agreement Template Disclosure Forms 1 pdf Louisiana Residential Lease Agreement

Sample Louisiana Residential Lease Agreement

Maine Standard 1 Year Residential Lease Agreement Template Disclosure Forms 1 pdf Maine Residential Lease Agreement Template

Required Landlord / Tenant Disclosure Forms in Maine (8)

  1. Bedbug Disclosure – Tenants must be told about past bedbug issues or treatments (if any). [1]
  2. Common Area Utilities – Tenants are not responsible for the utilities in shared areas unless agreed upon in writing in the residential lease agreement form. [2]
  3. Energy Efficiency Details – Landlords must disclose the energy efficiency details to Tenants paying utilities. [3]
  4. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and EPA Brochure – For properties built before 1978, the Landlord must disclose lead-based paint. [4]
  5. Radon Disclosure Form – Tenants must be informed about radon gas risks on the property. [5]
  6. Tenant Rights (Portland Only) – Landlords in Portland must provide information on Tenant rights.
  7. Security Deposit Location – Landlords must inform Tenants the information where the security deposit is held. [6]
  8. Smoking Policy – Landlords must disclose the property’s smoking policy. [7]

Maine-residential-lease-agreement

Security Deposit Laws and Returning Requirements

  • Maximum Amount – No more than two months’ rent. [8]
  • Returning Deposit to Tenant – for a fixed-term lease Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out and for month-to-month leases the Landlord must return the deposit within 21 days. [9]

Rent Payment Laws and Late Fees

  • Grace Period – 15 days. [10]
  • Maximum Late Fee – Cannot charge more than 4% of the monthly rent. [11]
  • NSF Fee – 12% of the monthly rent for a bounced rent check. [12]

Breaking the Maine Residential Lease Agreement

Tenants can terminate the Maine residential lease agreement with no penalties by one or more of the following circumstances:

  • Active Military Service – Tenants who enter active military service after signing a lease are protected under the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). If a tenant is called to active duty or receives a permanent change of station, they have the right to terminate their lease early. In order to break the lease under this protection, the tenant must provide the landlord with written notice and a copy of the military orders. The lease will terminate 30 days after the next rent payment is due.
  • Victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking
  • High Radon Levels – Under Maine law, landlords are required to disclose the presence of radon gas in rental properties. If radon levels are found to be above 4.0 picocuries per liter (pCi/L)—the level considered hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency—tenants may be entitled to terminate the lease without penalty. The landlord is required to mitigate the radon within a certain timeframe or else the lease can be terminated. Tenants must provide notice and evidence of the radon levels if they choose to end the lease for this reason.
  • Unsafe living conditions – Tenants have a legal right to live in a safe and sanitary residence. If the rental unit becomes uninhabitable due to serious maintenance issues, health hazards, or code violations, the tenant may be allowed to break the lease without penalty. Examples include persistent mold, lack of heat or water, severe pest infestations, or structural problems. The tenant should first notify the landlord in writing and give them a reasonable amount of time to make necessary repairs.
  • Landlord breaks the implied warranty and covenant of habitability – Maine law imposes a legal obligation known as the warranty of habitability, which requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a condition fit for human habitation. This includes ensuring that the premises are weather-tight, equipped with working plumbing and heating systems, free of vermin, and compliant with all health and safety codes. If a landlord fails to uphold this responsibility, and the living conditions become unacceptable, the tenant may terminate the Maine residential lease agreement contract.

Sample Maine Residential Lease Agreement 

Sources

  1. § 6021-A(2)
  2. § 6024
  3. § 6030-C
  4. 42 U.S. Code § 4852d
  5. § 6030-D
  6. § 6038(1)
  7. § 6030-E(3)
  8. § 6032
  9. § 6033(2)
  10. § 6028(1)
  11. § 6028(2)
  12. § 6071(1)
Indiana Standard 1 Year Residential Lease Agreement Template 2 pdf Indiana Residential Lease Agreement Template

Required Disclosure Forms

  1. Manager/Agent/Landlord Contact Information – Mailing address to send notices.
  2. Smoke Detector Disclosure – Landlord must disclose to tenants that there’s working smoke detectors in the rental unit.
  3. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and EPA Brochure – Landlords must provide a disclosure form and EPA brochure for properties built before 1978.

Sources

  1. § 58-2551(a)
  2. § 58-2548

Sample Indiana Residential Lease Agreement Template

Illinois Standard 1 Year Residential Lease Agreement Template 1 pdf Illinois Residential Lease Agreement Template
Rental Application Form—The landlord can request a rental application before signing the lease agreement to verify the tenant’s financials.

Sample Illinois Residential Lease Agreement Template

Delaware Residential Lease Agreement Form Template pdf Delaware Standard Residential Lease Agreement Template

Required Disclosures Forms

  1. Landlord-Tenant Code – A copy of the “Summary of the Delaware Residential Landlord-Tenant Code,” created and shared by the Consumer Protection Unit of the Delaware Attorney General. [1]
  2. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form – If the residential unit was built before 1978, you must state whether or not it has lead-based paint.
  3. Owner/Agent Disclosure – The landlord must include the property owner’s information in the lease. [2]
  4. Bed Bug Disclosure – Landlords/owners must disclose any bed bug infestations and any bed bug treatments within the 60 days before the lease start date. [3]
  5. Right to Legal Representation – If tenants have the right to use a “Coordinator,” it means they can access volunteer legal services. [4]

Security Deposit Requirements

  • Maximum Amount– The maximum for yearly rental agreements is one month’s rent. For month-to-month leases, the landlord decides the amount. [5]
  • Returning deposits to tenants deadline – The landlord must return the security deposit within 20 days of the tenant moving out, along with a list of any deductions.

Landlord Access to Rental Property

The landlord must give the tenant at least 48 hours’ notice before entering the rental unit. [6]

Sources

  1. § 5118
  2. § 5105(a)
  3. Senate Bill No. 240
  4. § 5602
  5. § 5514(a)
  6. § 5509(b)

Sample Delaware Residential Lease Template

Alabama Residential Lease Agreement Template 1 pdf Free Alabama Residential Lease Template

Landlord-Tenant Regulations

Alabama residential lease agreements are regulated by the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (AURLTA) under Title 35, Chapter 9A of the Alabama Code. [1]

Alabama Residential Lease Agreement Form Requirements

In-writing – Leases over one (1) year must be in writing. [2]

Required Disclosure Forms (3)

  1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form and EPA Brochure—Landlords must provide a disclosure form and EPA brochure for properties built before 1978.
  2. Landlord Information – The lease must include the landlord’s name and mailing address for tenant notices.
  3. Absence Notification — The lease must state that tenants must notify the landlord of absences longer than 14 days.

Sample Alabama Residential Lease Template

Sources

  1. alacourt.gov
  2. AL Code § 35-9A-421
Simple Standard Residential Rental Lease Agreement Form pdf Standard Residential / House Lease Agreement Template

Lease Agreement By State

How to Write a Standard Lease Agreement

Follow these steps to create a legally binding house lease agreement.

  1. Screen Potential Tenants with a Rental Application
  2. List All Parties Involved in the Transaction
  3. Describe the Property Address and Key Features
  4. Outline the Rent Terms and Due Dates
  5. List Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities of the Utilities and Services
  6. List Appliances and Furnishings Included with the Renal Property
  7. Set the Lease Duration and Renewal Options 
  8. Security Deposit Requirements
  9. State the Smoking Policy Rules and Areas 
  10. State Pet Policy and Pet Rules
  11. Attach Required Disclosure Forms

Step 1 – Screen Tenants with a Rental Application

rental-lease-application-template-sample

Summary: Before writing and signing the lease, check the tenant’s employment and credit history with a Rental Application. This document collects details about the tenant’s income, job status, credit score, and references. It helps landlords make sure that the tenant can afford the rent and has a good track record.

Step 2 – List All Parties Involved in the Transaction (Landlord/Tenant)

list-all-parties

Summary: Include the full names and contact details of the landlord and tenant(s). If a property manager is involved, their information should also be added.

Step 3 – Describe the Property Address and Key Details

Summary: List property details such as:

  • Property Mailing Address
  • List number of bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Included unique features such as parking or a gym

Step 4 – Outline the Rent Payment Terms and Due Dates

rent-due-date-example

Clearly state the following:

  • Monthly rent amount
  • Due date (“rent is due on the 1st of every month”)
  • Payment instructions, including acceptable payment methods
  • Late fees and grace periods (In New York, landlords cannot charge a late fee until after the 5th day).[2]

Step 5 – List Landlord/Tenant Responsibilities of Utilities and Services

Summary: Define which utilities and services (e.g., water, gas, electricity, trash collection, internet) will be covered by the landlord and which will be the tenant’s responsibility. Include specifics for shared utility costs, if applicable.

Step 6 – List Included Appliances and Furnishings 

Summary: Include a detailed list of appliances and furnishings provided with the property, such as:

  • Refrigerator
  • Oven
  • Microwave
  • Washer and dryer
  • Furniture (if applicable)

Step 7 – Set the Lease Duration, Renewal Options, and Termination Rules

lease-start-and-end-dates-example

Summary: The most common lease is 12 months. Follow state-specific laws for leases with longer terms. Define the lease term (e.g., 6 months, 12 months) and specify renewal terms. Indicate any renewal policies or notice periods for non-renewal.

Step 8 – Security Deposit Requirements and Amount

Summary: State the amount (usually one (1) month’s rent), conditions for return, and any state-specific limits.

  • The security deposit amount
  • Conditions for return (e.g., cleanliness, no damages)
  • State-specific limits and handling requirements

Step 9 – Smoking Policy Rules and Smoking Areas 

Summary: Specify whether smoking is allowed on the property. If permitted, outline designated areas and rules.

Step 10 – State Pet Policy and Rules

pet-policy-sample

Summary: Clarify if pets are allowed. Include restrictions on breeds or sizes, pet fees, or deposits, and rules. Service animals must be accommodated by federal law.[3]

Step 11 – Attach Required Disclosure Forms by Law

Summary: Attach legally required documents, such as:

  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form Form and EPA Pamphlet – Let tenants know if there is lead paint or other lead hazards (required for properties built before 1978).
  • Asbestos Disclosure – Let tenants know if there is asbestos in the building (required for properties built before 1979). epa.gov
  • Bed Bug Addendum – Explain what both the landlord and tenant should do if bedbugs are found. epa.gov
  • Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector Addendum – Clarify if the landlord provides detectors and the tenant’s responsibility to maintain them. ncsl.org
  • Commercial Lease Addendum – Make changes or additions to an existing commercial lease.
  • Death in Rental Unit Disclosure – Inform tenants if someone has died in the property. realtor.com
  • Flood Hazard Area Disclosure – State if the property is in a flood zone.
  • Foreclosure Notice – Notify tenants of a potential foreclosure.
  • Illegal Substance Contamination Disclosure – Inform tenants if the property has been contaminated by illegal substances, like meth.
  • Mold Disclosure – Tell tenants if there is mold and whether the landlord will fix it.
  • Notice of Abandoned Personal Property – Let tenants know if they left items behind and need to collect them before they’re thrown out.
  • Pet Addendum – Outline the rules for pets on the property.
  • Shared Utilities Disclosure – Explain how utilities are shared between tenants.
  • Smoke-Free Addendum – Specify if smoking tobacco or marijuana is allowed on the property.

Sources

  1. 2022 BLS Housing Study
  2. New York Real Property Law § 238-a(2)
  3. humanesociety.org
  4. law.cornell.edu

Landlord Access Laws By State

State

Required Notice

Statute
Alabama 2 days § 35-9A-303
Alaska 24 hours § 34.03.140
Arizona 48 hours § 33-1343
Arkansas N/A N/A
California 24 hours (non-emergency), 48 hours (move-out inspection) § 1954
Colorado N/A N/A
Connecticut Reasonable notice § 47a-16
Delaware 48 hours Title 25 § 5509
Florida 24 hours § 83.53
Georgia N/A N/A
Hawaii 2 days § 521-53
Idaho N/A N/A
Illinois N/A N/A
Indiana Reasonable notice § 32-31-5-6
Iowa 24 hours § 562A.19
Kansas Reasonable notice § 58-2557
Kentucky 2 days § 383.615
Louisiana N/A N/A
Maine 24 hours § 6025
Maryland N/A N/A
Massachusetts Reasonable notice Sanitary Code (410.810)
Michigan N/A N/A
Minnesota “Reasonable notice” (no less than 24 hours) § 504B.211
Mississippi N/A N/A
Missouri N/A N/A
Montana 24 hours § 70-24-312
Nebraska 24 hours § 76-1423
Nevada 24 hours NRS 118A.330
New Hampshire Reasonable notice RSA 540-A:3
New Jersey 1 day § 5:10-5.1
New Mexico 24 hours § 47-8-24
New York N/A N/A
North Carolina N/A N/A
North Dakota Reasonable notice § 47-16-07.3
Ohio 24 hours § 5321.04
Oklahoma 1 day § 41-128
Oregon 24 hours § 90.322
Pennsylvania N/A N/A
Rhode Island 2 days § 34-18-26
South Carolina 24 hours § 27-40-530
South Dakota 24 hours § 43-32-32
Tennessee 24 hours § 66-28-403
Texas N/A N/A
Utah 24 hours § 57-22-4
Vermont 48 hours § 4460
Virginia 24 hours § 55.1-1229(A)
Washington 2 days (repairs), 1 day (showings) § 59.18.150
West Virginia N/A N/A
Wisconsin Advance notice § 704.05(2)
Wyoming N/A N/A

State Security Deposit Laws By State

State Maximum Deposit Notice Period Sources
Alabama 1 months’ rent 60 days § 8-8-15(b)§ 35-9A-201(a), § 35-9A-201(b)
Alaska 2 months’ rent 14-30 days § 34.03.070(a), § 34.03.070(g)
Arizona 1.5 months’ rent 14 days § 33-1321
Arkansas 2 months’ rent 60 days § 18-16-304, § 18-16-305
California 1 months’ rent 21 days § 1950.5
Colorado 2 months’ rent 1-2 months § 38-12-102.5, § 38-12-103
Connecticut 1-2 months’ rent 21-15 days § 47a-21
Delaware 1 month’s rent 20 days § 1301A
Florida No Limit 15-30 days § 83.49(3)(a)
Georgia 2 months rent 30 days § 44-7-30.1, § 44-7-34
Hawaii 1 month’s rent 14 days § 521-44
Idaho No limit 21-30 days § 6-321
Illinois No limit 30-45 days § 765 ILCS 710
Indiana No limit 45 days § 32-31-3-12
Iowa 2 months’ rent 30 days § 562A.12
Kansas 1 month’s rent (unfurnished), 1.5 months’ rent (furnished) 14-30 days § 58-2550
Kentucky No limit 60 days § 383.580(6)
Louisiana No limit 1 month § 9:3251§ 6032
Maine 2 months’ rent 21-30 days § 6032, § 6033
Maryland 1 month’s rent 45 days § 8–203
Massachusetts 1 month’s rent 30 days Chapter 186, Section 15B
Michigan 1.5 months’ rent 30 days § 554.602, § 554.609
Minnesota No limit 3 weeks § 504B.178
Mississippi No limit 45 days § 89-8-21
Missouri 2 months’ rent 30 days § 535.300
Montana No limit 10-30 days § 70-25-202
Nebraska 1 month’s rent (excluding pet fees) 14 days § 76-1416
Nevada 3 months’ rent 30 days NRS 118A.242
New Hampshire 1 month’s rent or $100 (whichever is greater) 20-30 days RSA 540-A:6, RSA 540-A:7
New Jersey 1.5 months’ rent 30 days § 46:8-21.2, § 46:8-21.1
New Mexico 1.5 months’ rent 30 days § 47-8-18
New York 1 month’s rent 14 days § 7-108(e)
North Carolina 1.5-2 months’ rent 30-60 days § 42-51, § 42-52
North Dakota 1 month’s rent (excluding pet deposits) 30 days § 47-16-07.1
Ohio No limit 30 days § 5321.16
Oklahoma No limit 45 days § 41-115(B)
Oregon No limit 31. days § 90.300
Pennsylvania 2 months’ rent 30 days § 250.511a, § 250.512
South Carolina No limit 30 days § 27-40-410
South Dakota 1 month’s rent 14-45 days § 43-32-6.1, § 43-32-24
Tennessee No limit 30 days § 66-28-301
Texas No limit 30 days § 92.103
Utah No limit 30 days § 57-17-3
Vermont No limit 14-16 days § 4461
Virginia 2 months’ rent 45 days § 55.1-1226(A)
Washington No limit 30 days § 59.18.280
West Virginia No limit 45-60 days § 37-6A-2
Wisconsin No limit 21 days § 134.06
Wyoming No limit 15-30 days § 1-21-1208(A)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a lease?

A lease is a contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines their rights and responsibilities when renting property.

What is a Residential Lease Agreement?

A Residential Lease Agreement is a contract for renting a home or apartment. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. This type of agreement can be used for renting houses, apartments, condos, townhouses, and more.Other names for a Residential Lease Agreement include the following:

  • Lease agreement
  • Rental agreement
  • Lease contract
  • Apartment lease
  • House rental agreement
  • Tenancy agreement
  • Rent-to-own lease agreement

How to Create a Residential Lease Agreement?

Scroll up to top of this page and select “Download” to download the template in the format of your choice or select “Create Online” and follow the steps to create a Residential Lease Agreement Form online.

Who pays the security deposit?

The Tenant pay to cover damages or unpaid rent.

Does a lease takeover break a lease?

No, as long as the Landlord approves the new Tenant.

What is pro rata share in a lease?

A Tenant’s share of expenses based on space rented.

What is pro rata share in a lease?

A Tenant’s share of expenses based on space rented.

Who is the lessor?

The Landlord.

Who is the lessee?

The Tenant.

Does a lease need to be notarized?

No, but it can add legal protection.

Where to get a lease agreement form?

Online, real estate offices, or office supply stores.

How to terminate/cancel/break a lease?

Follow lease terms, give notice, and pay any penalties.

How to spot a fake lease agreement?

Spot a fake lease agreement by checking for missing details, inconsistencies, or unverifiable Landlords.

What is a lease purchase agreement?

A purchase agreement is a rental contract with the option to buy the property.

What is a car lease agreement?

A contract to rent a car with set payments and terms.

How do you cancel a lease agreement?

To cancel a lease, check the contract for terms, give written notice, and pay any additional fees.

Sample Standard Residential Lease Agreement

Download: PDF / Word (.docx)

Missouri Standard Residential Lease Agreement 1 pdf Missouri Standard Residential Lease Agreement

Required Disclosures Forms

Lead-Based Paint Notice: For properties built before 1978, tenants must be informed of possible lead-based paint in the walls and ceilings and receive an EPA pamphlet.

Security Deposit Laws

  • Maximum Deposit: Limited to two months’ rent.
  • Return Timeline: Must be returned within 30 days after lease termination, along with an itemized list of deductions, if any.

Source: § 535.300(1), § 535.300(3)

Rent Payment Laws

  • Grace Period: None.
  • Late Fee: No maximum unless specified in the lease.
  • NSF Fee: $25 for checks under $100, $50 for checks under $250, and $75 or 10% (whichever is greater) for $250 or more.
  • Withholding Rent: Tenants can withhold up to half a month’s rent if the landlord doesn’t fix code violations within 14 days after written notice.

Source: § 570.120(5)

Sample

https://simpleforms.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Missouri-Standard-Residential-Lease-Agreement-1-1.pdf