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.

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.

Summary: List property details such as:

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

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]

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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]

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.

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

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

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.

The Tenant pay to cover damages or unpaid rent.

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

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

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

The Landlord.

The Tenant.

No, but it can add legal protection.

Online, real estate offices, or office supply stores.

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

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

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

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

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