Rental Application Forms – Landlords can request a rental application before signing the rental lease agreement in order to verify the Tenant’s background, finances, and rental history. Sign the free rental lease agreement once Tenant is verified.

By State

By Type (15) and File Format: PDF / Word Templates

Residential Lease Agreement

Standard 1-year Lease Term

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Simple 1-Page Lease Agreement

Simple Lease Agreement (One-Page)

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Commercial Lease Agreement

Used for retail spaces, office buildings, warehouses, and industrial facilities.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Condominium Lease Agreement

Used for renting condo units.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Equipment Rental Agreement

Used by Owners renting equipment to Lessees.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Family Member Rental Lease Agreement

Used by relatives renting from family members.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Hunting Land Lease

This form is used to lease land for hunting purposes.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

Tenancy at will with renewals every 30 days.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Parking Space Lease Agreement

Agreement to Lease Parking Space

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Rent-to-Own Conveyance Lease Agreement

A lease that includes an option for the tenant to purchase the property.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Room (Roommate) Rental Lease Agreement

Shared living arrangements. A binding contract outlining responsibilities and agreements between co-tenants.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Short-Term(Vacation) Lease

Used for leases less than 30-days.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Storage Space (Unit) Rental Lease

Rent storage space in exchange for rent payments.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Sublease Agreement

Used to Sublet unit with landlords approval.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

Weekly Lease Agreement

7-day lease periods.

Download: PDF | Word (.docx)

What is a Lease?

A lease is a legal agreement between a landlord and a tenant that defines their rights and obligations when renting a residential or commercial property. A rent receipt is proof Tenant paid rent. A lease addendum is used to modify or change the terms of the lease agreement. A move-in checklist is used to protect Tenants security deposit deduction.

Why use a Rental Lease Agreement?

A written and signed rental lease agreement protects both the Landlord and the Tenant by clearly outline the rules and responsibilities of both parties during the lease term.

Protect Rights of Both Parties: The roles of each party are written down so there is no confusion.
Misunderstandings: Having the agreement in writing makes it clear to both parties what the roles are.
Customize: Create a rental lease contract that is tailored to the rental property.

Rental Lease Agreement Template Features

Legally Binding
Customizable
Multiple Formats (PDF, Word, Excel, Open Document)
Free Samples

What is a Residential Lease?

A Residential Lease Agreement is a contract for renting a home, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant. It is used for apartments, houses, and condos.A residential lease is also known as the following:

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

Does a lease takeover count as breaking a rental agreement?

No, as long as it is done with the Landlords consent.

Who Pays the Security Deposit in a Lease Agreement?

The Tenant pays the Landlord the security deposit as collateral for any damages or non-payment of rent.

How to Write a Rental Lease Agreement?

Step 1 – Title the Agreement Form and add the Parties Names

Add the name of the agreement form “Rental Lease Agreement.”
Add the date the agreement is made on and the year.
Add the full legal names and addresses of the Landlord and Tenant.

write-rental-lease-step-1

Step 2 – Add Rental Property Address, Details and Residence Type

Enter the full rental property address where it is located.
Add the property details such as the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, half-bathrooms, and any other information the Tenant should know about.
Add the type of residence such as a single-family home, multifamily home, townhouse, condominium, apartment, co-op, dwelling, mobile home, tiny home, or other.

step-2-rental-property-address

Step 3 – Select Fixed-Lease or Month-to-Month Lease Type with Dates

Check off if the type of lease is a fixed-lease or a month-to-month lease.
Add start and end dates.
Add renewal options (if any).

step-3-fixed-lease-or-month-to-month-lease

Step 4 – Add names of Occupant(s)

The Tenant must list any occupant(s) (if any) staying in the rental unit.

how-to-write-lease-agreement-step-4

How to Lease Your Property (9 Steps)

Rental Lease Agreement PDF

Step-by-Step Guide PDF

Step 1 – Type of Lease

Landlords, Owners and Property Managers whom decide to rent out their unit(s) to Tenant(s) in exchange for rent payments need to first decide on the type of lease options they want to offer Tenants. The options include a short-term (seasonal), a long-term, or vacation lease agreement.

Agreement Types Depending on Lease Duration and Tenant Audience:

Long-term lease – Minimum of one-year (12 months) or more. These Tenants typically are young professionals or family units where one needs to stay consistently in one geographic area to be close to a job or school for long periods of time.
Short-term lease – Up to one-year (12 months) or for monthly (month-to-month). These Tenants tend to be college kids where they need to rent an apartment living space for 9 months out of the year before going home for summer vacation at parents house.
Vacation lease – One-month (30 days) or less. These Tenants range in all different walks of life as one travels throughout their lifetime and it’s becoming more common especially after the pandemic where people work remotely and also study remotely online.
Hunting Land Lease – PDF

Step 2 – Preparing the Rental Property for Showings

Once the final decision is made on the lease type, the next step is to prepare the rental property for showings – in person and online. This step is when a cleaning company might help or a painter to fix interior and/or exterior touch ups. The plumber might also need to be contacted in case a faucet is leaking or a toilet is clogged.

A trip to Lowe’s or Home Depot might be a good idea for light bulbs, smoke detectors (including the compatible batteries), and having extra keys made (think extra keys for Lock-box, Brokers and Tenants).

Double check all of the essentials needed to make your home is 100% habitable prior to showing or posting any videos or pictures of the rental space online or in print ads.

get-ready-for-showings-clean-rental-property

Step 3 – Finding the Right Tenant(s)

The third step is finding and vetting potential Tenant(s). This is done by listing the property online, including entering information in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). This may be the point where you will consider hiring a Real Estate Broker to help with the leasing process to avoid any financial or legal issues.

Advertising: Advertising rental properties depends on the local market and the target audiences. Landlords or property owners can choose from different advertising platforms, but it’s essential to be transparent about the property’s condition, updated photos, and prices to simplify the rental process. Also consider hiring a real estate agent to manage the rental process.

High-end markets – Sotheby’s, Rent.com
Middle-cost markets – Zillow, Redfin
Low-budget markets – Craigslist

finding-tenants-rental-unit

Step 4 – Preparing a Rental Application

A rental application serves to uncover three major concerns for an owner of property about a Tenant:

Criminal history
Credit history
Previous evictions by prior landlords

If a Tenant passes all three checks, then verify Tenants employment and means of paying rent. Landlords have the legal right to ask for government-approved identification, a social security number, and an applicant’s legal status.

Preparing-Rental-Application

Law Alert ⚖️

The Fair Housing Act, 42 U.S.C. 3601, prohibits landlords and property owners from discriminating (denying) prospective tenants the ability to rent based on the following criteria:

disability
familial status or national origin
race or color
religion
sex

Ways to Screen a Tenant:

TransUnion SmartMove – TransUnion offers a tenant screening service called SmartMove. It allows landlords to request credit reports and criminal background checks on prospective tenants. SmartMove provides a credit-based recommendation that helps you assess the tenant’s financial stability and risk profile.
Experian Connect – Experian offers a similar service called Experian Connect. Landlords can request credit reports and view a tenant’s credit history. This can help you gauge their creditworthiness and financial responsibility.
Local Court Records – You can check your local court’s website or visit in person to search for eviction records, judgments, or any legal disputes involving prospective tenants. This can give you insight into their rental history and legal issues.
Social Media and Online Searches – Conducting online searches and checking social media profiles can provide additional information about a tenant. While this isn’t an official screening method, it can give you an idea of their lifestyle, behavior, and any red flags.

Step 5 – Tenant Views the Space

Depending on the property owner, one may choose to require a rental application from the applicant either prior or after viewing the property. There could be disclosures you will need to offer each tenant before they view the property, depending on the state.

Law Alert ⚖️

The most common disclosure required by the federal government is the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure, which requires owners of property built before 1978 to give prospective tenants a pamphlet (PDF)^↗.

showing-tenants-rental-property

Step 6 – Verify References

Landlords and property owners should be particular when asking for references from a prospective tenant. Asking of personal friends or family as references serves little use. There are no laws or limitations an owner must abide by when contacting references.When asking for references, it’s best to ask for the following contacts:

Previous and current employer;
Prior landlord/owner of rented property.

Step 7 – Approving the Tenant

A landlord can approve a tenant for any reason. However, when it comes to rejecting a tenant from occupancy, the landlord must give the reason (which must be legal). A rejected application is due to a negative report on a credit report.

Law Alert ⚖️

The Fair Credit Reporting Act^↗requires property owners/landlords to disclose the information as to why a rental application was denied. Landlords must provide the denied applicant with the following:

A written statement explaining the adverse facts
A source of the reporting agency

Step 8 – Signing the Lease

Leases can be signed online using services such as DocuSign^↗ or eSign^↗. If the lease is signed in person, having the lease notarized is recommended. Property owners do not need to be named on the lease if a property management company controls the property. Verbal agreements are not legally binding.

All persons who have applied to reside at the property;
Owner or manager of property;
If signing in person, a notary (public officer) is recommended.

Security Deposits

Most U.S. states follow the rules set out by HUD^↗, a department of the federal government that administers laws and regulations regarding housing.

One months rent – Landlords are allowed to ask for a security deposit equal to 1 (one) month’s rent;
Interest bearing account – Security deposits must be kept in a separate interest-bearing account;
Unpaid Dues – The Landlord may use the security deposit as reimbursement for any unpaid dues when the lease expires;
Refund – The landlord must return the security deposit in full within 30 days of notice;

Source: § 880.608

A rent receipt template confirms that a Tenant has paid rent in cash. The Landlord fills it out after payment, including the amount, payment method, and signature.

Step 9 – Occupancy

The Tenant(s) have the right to occupy the property on the start date stated within the lease agreement unless otherwise written and agreed upon. Once the tenant has begun to occupy the property, the owner loses their right to enter it without proper notice. The lease agreement termination will be outlined in the agreement.

Rental Lease Break Clause

A rental lease break clause lets a Tenant end their lease early under certain conditions.

Landlord-Tenant Laws

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)

Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) Fees By State

State	Maximum Fee	Laws
Alabama	$30	§ 8-8-15(b)

Alaska	$30	§ 09.68.115(2)

Arizona	No Maximum	N/A

Arkansas	$30	§ 5-37-307, § 5-37-304

California	$25 (Plus $35 for each additional bad check provided.)	§ 1719.

Colorado	$20	§ 13-21-109

Connecticut	N/A	§ 52-565a(d)

Delaware	$40	§ 1301A

Florida	$25: For checks $50 or less. $30: For checks more than $50 but less than $300. $40 or 5% of the total value (whichever is greater): For checks more than $300.	§ 68.065

Georgia	$30 or 5% of the rent check amount	§ 13-6-15 (b)

Hawaii	N/A	N/A

Idaho	The total amount of the check plus any fees.	§ 28-22-1051

Illinois	The amount of the check plus any fees.	720 ILCS § 5/17-1(E)

Indiana	$27.50 or 5% of check amount.	§ 35-43-5-5

Iowa	Amount of check and any fees.	§ 714.1(6)

Kansas	$30	§ 60-2610

Kentucky	$50	§ 514.040

Lousiana	$15 plus any bank fees.	§ 14:71

Maine	Check amount and bank fees.	§ 14-6071

Maryland	N/A	N/A

Massachusetts	$30	§ 62C-35

Michigan	$25 (if rent check is paid within 7days); $35 (if rent check is paid within 30 days.	§ 600.2952

Minnesota	N/A	N/A

Mississippi	$30	§ 97-19-75

Missouri	$25	§ 570.120

Montana	$30	§ 27-1-717

Nebraska	$10	§ 28-611

Nevada	N/A	N/A

New Hampshire	N/A	§ 638-4

New Jersey	$100 or 3 times the check amount.	§ 2A-32A-1

New Mexico	N/A	N/A

New York	$20	§ 5-328

North Carolina	$25	§ 25-3-506

North Dakota	$30	§ 6-8-16.2a

Ohio	$30 or 10% of the Check’s Amount	§ 1319.16

Oklahoma	N/A	N/A

Oregon	$35	§ 30.701

Pennsylvania	$50	§ 18.4105e

South Carolina	$30	§ 6-42-3

South Dakota	$40	§ 57A-3-421

Tennessee	$30	§ 47-29-102

Texas	N/a	N/A

Utah	$20	§ 7-15-2

Vermont	$5	§ 2022

Virginia	$50	§ 8.01-27.1

Washington	$40	§ 62A.3-515(b)(1)

West Virginia	$25	§ 61-3-39e

Wisconsin	N/A	N/A

Wyoming	$30	§ 1-1-115

Definitions

Abandonment: Abandonment is the act of vacating the premises before fulfilling the terms of the agreement, without notice or consent, is abandonment.
Addendum: Addendum is a signed document adding terms to a lease.
Agent: Agent is someone acting on behalf of another (Realtor, real estate agent, or property manager)
Alterations and Improvements: Alterations and Improvements are changes to a property’s appearance or function.
Appliances: Large household machines, such as refrigerators or stoves.
Amenities: Extra features that add value, such as a balcony or fitness center.
Appraisal: An appraisal is a professional evaluation of the value of a property by a licensed appraiser.
Binding Effect: A clause in the lease that benefits all parties and their heirs or assigns.
Breach of Contract: Breaking lease terms, leading to termination.
Boilerplate Contract: Clauses in lease agreements that correlate critical legal points.
Closing Costs: Buyers and sellers typically incur various expenses beyond the property price to complete a real estate transaction. These expenses include fees for title insurance, legal services, and more.
Default: Steps taken when a tenant violates the lease.
Closing Costs: Buyers and sellers typically incur various expenses beyond the property price to complete a real estate transaction. These expenses include fees for title insurance, legal services, and more.
Default: Steps taken when a tenant violates the lease.
Due Date: The day rent is due; a grace period before late fees apply.
Down Payment: The down payment in a real estate transaction is the first initial payment made by the buyer (Tenant) when purchasing a home. It is usually a percentage of the total purchase price.
Escrow: A third party of the Landlord and Tenant holds the funds until a transaction is completed.
Entire Agreement: Confirms all agreements are included in the lease document.
Eviction: Landlord’s legal process to remove a tenant.
Fair Housing Act: Prohibits rental discrimination based on personal characteristics (race/religion).
Fixed Term: Lease with a specific timeframe (one (1) year).
Furnishings: Removable items like furniture or decor.
Governing Law: States the lease follows local state laws.
Grace Period: Extra time before late fees are charged for unpaid rent.
Guests: Non-residents staying in rental unit temporarily.
Hazardous Materials: Substances on the property that may pose risks.
Landlord and Tenant: The landlord agrees to let the tenant use the property for a specified period in exchange for rent.
Lease Agreement vs. Rental Agreement: A lease agreement is usually for long lease contracts, 6 months or more, and a rental agreement is usually for short-term leases of 30 days.
Property Rentals: Real Estate assets that are owned by individuals or entities (businesses) that are rented out to Tenants/Occupants for a specific period of time in exchange for rent payments.
House rules: Guidelines for shared living spaces.
Indemnification: Protects the landlord from liability for injuries or damages.
Insurance (Bond): Covers landlord and tenant liability.
Landlord/Lessor: The property owner renting out the unit.
Late Fee: Charge for overdue rent.
Lease Agreement: A legal document outlining rental terms.
Lease Renewal: Extending the lease after expiration.
Maintenance: Required property upkeep by the tenant.
Monthly Rent: Rent amount due monthly, usually on the 1st.
Month-to-Month: Flexible lease renewed every 30 days.

Non-Delivery of Possession: Clause for tenant move-in delays.
Notice: Written communication from landlord about lease-related issues.
Occupants: Non-tenant residents, like family members.
Parking: Defines parking arrangements for tenants.
Parties: Individuals (Lessor/Lessee) involved in the lease (Landlord/Tenant).
Payment Location: Address for delivering rent payments.
Personal Property: Removable belongings not part of the rental unit.
Pet Deposit Fee: Extra payment for pets in the rental property.
Property Description: Address and details of the rental unit.
Property Manager: Person managing the property for the owner.
Prorated Rent: Adjusted rent for partial months.
Real Property: Land and attached structures.
Receipt of Agreement: Proof that both parties received signed documents.
Returned Check: A bounced check due to insufficient funds (NSF Fees might occur).
Security Deposit: Money held for potential damages.
Security Deposit Refund: Return of deposit after deductions for damages.
Severability Clause: Invalid clauses don’t affect the rest of the lease.
Sub-landlord – (Sublessor): Tenant renting the unit to another person.
Subleasing: When a tenant rents the property to someone else.
Subtenant (Sublessee): Person renting from the primary tenant.
Tenancy: Occupancy of the rental unit.
Tenant: Person renting the property.

Federal Leasing Laws ⚖️

Fair Housing Act (FHA)

Cannot discrimination based on race, religion, or disability. (hud.gov)

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Must include accessibility and rights for individuals with disabilities (reasonable accommodations and allowing service animals on property). (ada.gov)

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act

Must be included for homes built before 1978. (epa.gov)

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Disclosures when checking credit reports for screening tenants. (ftc.gov)

Privacy and Security Laws

The roommate agreement must outline how personal information and data is protected. This is part of the Truth in Lending Act. (occ.treas.gov)

Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA)

URLTA provides guidelines for leases and tenant rights and covers security deposits, repairs, and maintenance rules. (nchh.org)

Anti-Retaliation Laws

Protects tenants from retaliation for asserting rights and the agreement cannot penalize roommates for exercising legal rights. (nhlp.org)

Landlord Access Notice Requirements 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

USPS Informed Delivery: Email Landlord/Tenant Notices

Sign up with USPS Informed Delivery (usps.com) to receive mail virtually, no matter where you are. Never miss a Notice in the mail again as these Notices can be time-sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does a lease takeover count as breaking a rental agreement?

Answer: A lease transfer doesn’t usually count as breaking a rental agreement. Always double-check with your written lease agreement contract that you signed.

Q. What are renters rights without a formal written lease agreement?

Answer: Tenants rights without a formal lease agreement depend from state to state. Read our basic guideline for more information.

Q. What is a Rental Agreement Form?

Answer: A rental agreement is a contract that lasts a month and is similar to a lease in many ways. It’s different from a lease in that it is automatically renewed.

Q. How do you get out of a lease agreement?

Answer: Laws are in place that override the lease agreement where the tenants can break the contract.

Q. How do you spot a fake lease agreement?

Answer: Some lease agreements are fake; here are the top ways to spot one: the landlord asks for a large deposit, the landlord puts time pressure on you to sign the agreement, and the lease agreement does not allow you to legally get out of the lease respectfully.

Q. What are the 2025 Fannie Mae Selling and Renting Updates?

Answer: Fannie Mae’s tools and resources are available free, including the 2025 selling guide PDF.

Q. How to cancel a lease agreement?

Answer: Landlords usually require a 30-day notice, although it’s best to check with local laws and your lease agreement. The lessor and lessee MUST sign a letter stating the cancellation.

Q. What is a triple-net lease agreement?

Answer: Although this is a type of lease that mostly pertains to commercial property, it’s when the tenant agrees to pay for all expenses/bills of the rental property, including taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

Free Rental / Lease Agreement Form Templates (15)

By State

By Type (15) and File Format: PDF / Word Templates

What is a Lease?

Why use a Rental Lease Agreement?

Rental Lease Agreement Template Features

What is a Residential Lease?

Does a lease takeover count as breaking a rental agreement?

Who Pays the Security Deposit in a Lease Agreement?

How to Write a Rental Lease Agreement?

Step 1 – Title the Agreement Form and add the Parties Names

Step 2 – Add Rental Property Address, Details and Residence Type

Step 3 – Select Fixed-Lease or Month-to-Month Lease Type with Dates

Step 4 – Add names of Occupant(s)

How to Lease Your Property (9 Steps)

Step 1 – Type of Lease

Step 2 – Preparing the Rental Property for Showings

Step 3 – Finding the Right Tenant(s)

Step 4 – Preparing a Rental Application

Law Alert ⚖️

Step 5 – Tenant Views the Space

Law Alert ⚖️

Step 6 – Verify References

Step 7 – Approving the Tenant

Law Alert ⚖️

Step 8 – Signing the Lease

Security Deposits

Step 9 – Occupancy

Rental Lease Break Clause

Landlord-Tenant Laws

State Security Deposit Laws By State

Non-Sufficient Funds (NSF) Fees By State

Definitions

Federal Leasing Laws ⚖️

Fair Housing Act (FHA)

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

Privacy and Security Laws

Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA)

Anti-Retaliation Laws

Landlord Access Notice Requirements by State

USPS Informed Delivery: Email Landlord/Tenant Notices

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does a lease takeover count as breaking a rental agreement?

Q. What are renters rights without a formal written lease agreement?

Q. What is a Rental Agreement Form?

Q. How do you get out of a lease agreement?

Q. How do you spot a fake lease agreement?

Q. What are the 2025 Fannie Mae Selling and Renting Updates?

Q. How to cancel a lease agreement?

Q. What is a triple-net lease agreement?

Sources

Sample Rental Lease Agreement

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