Standard Residential Lease Agreement Template

A standard residential lease is a rental agreement where a tenant pays monthly rent to use a property, usually the duration is for a year. The tenant must pay the first month’s rent, a security deposit, and any fees when signing the lease.

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Last updated January 10th, 2025

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A standard residential lease is a rental agreement where a tenant pays monthly rent to use a property, usually the duration is for a year. The tenant must pay the first month’s rent, a security deposit, and any fees when signing the lease.

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How to Write a Standard Lease Agreement in 11 Easy Steps

Follow these steps to create a clear and legal 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 Potential Tenants with a Rental Application

rental-application-process

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

list-both-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 Features

Summary: List property details such as:

  • Address
  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms
  • Included Features such as parking or a gym

Step 4 – Outline the Rent Terms and Due Dates

rent-due-date

Summary: 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 and Tenant Responsibilities of the 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 Appliances and Furnishings Included with the Rental Property

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 and Renewal Options

lease-duration

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

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 – State the Smoking Policy Rules and Areas

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

Step 10 – State Pet Policy and Pet Rules

 

pet-policy

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

Summary: Attach legally required documents, such as:

Sources

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

Federal Laws ⚖️

Fair Housing Act (FHA)

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

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

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

Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act

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

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)

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

Privacy and Security Laws

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

Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA)

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

Anti-Retaliation Laws

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

Sample Standard Residential Lease Agreement