Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Rental Agreement

Start by giving your agreement a title, such as “Residential Lease Agreement” or
“Rental Agreement.”

Specify the date the agreement is signed by both parties (landlord and tenant).

Clearly state the names of the landlord (or property management company) and the tenant(s).

• Landlord – [Full Name], [Address], [Phone Number], [Email]
• Tenant(s)- [Full Name(s)], [Current Address], [Phone Number], [Email]

Provide a detailed description of the rental property, including the address, unit number (if applicable), and any amenities included in the lease.

• Property Address – [Street Address, City, State, Zip Code]
• Unit Number (if applicable) – [Unit Number]

Write the duration of the rental agreement, including the start date and end date.

• Lease Term – This lease is for a period of [X months/years], starting on [Start Date] and ending on [End Date].

Outline the rent amount, payment due date, and acceptable payment methods. Include any late fees.

• Monthly Rent – $[Amount]
• Due Date –  Rent is due on the [Xth] day of each month.
• Payment Method – [Bank transfer, check, online portal, etc.]
• Late Fee – A late fee of $[Amount] will be charged if rent is not received within [X] days of the due date.

Specify the amount of the security deposit, the conditions under which it will be returned, and any deductions that may be made for damages.

• Security Deposits – Tenants shall pay a security deposit of $[Amount], which will be held to cover any damages or unpaid rent. The deposit will be returned within [X] days after the end of the lease term, minus any deductions for damages or unpaid amounts.

List the utilities and services included in the rent (e.g., water, electricity, gas) and specify which ones the tenant is responsible for.

• Included Utilities –  [List utilities included, e.g., water, trash removal, etc.]
• Tenant’s Responsibility – Tenant is responsible for paying utilities such as electricity, gas, internet, etc.

Outline the responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant for maintaining the property.

• Landlord’s Responsibilities – The landlord is responsible for maintaining the property services (plumbing, heating) and that they are in good working order.
• Tenant’s Responsibilities – Tenant is responsible for keeping unit clean and notifying the landlord of any necessary repairs.

Include any rules or guidelines that the tenant must follow, such as pet policies, smoking policies, noise restrictions, and parking rules.

• Pets – No pets are allowed on the property without prior written consent from the landlord.
• Smoking – Smoking is prohibited inside the rental unit and in common areas.

Specify the terms for renewing the lease or terminating the agreement.

• Lease Renewal – The tenant may request to renew the lease at least [X] days before the lease expiration.
• Termination – Either party may terminate this lease by providing [X] days written notice prior to the lease end date.

Outline the conditions under which the landlord may enter the rental property and the required notice periods.

• Landlord’s Right to Enter – The landlord may enter the rental unit for inspection, repairs, or showings with [X] days’ notice.

Write whether the tenant is required to have renter’s insurance and any other insurance-related requirements.

• Renter’s Insurance – Tenant is encouraged to carry renter’s insurance for personal property, liability, and damage coverage.

Explain what constitutes a default by the tenant (failure to pay rent) and any remedies available to the landlord (eviction).

• Default – If the tenant fails to pay rent for [X] days, the landlord may terminate the lease and begin eviction proceedings.

Include a clause for resolving disputes, such as through mediation or arbitration.

• Dispute Resolution – In the event of a dispute between the parties, both parties agree to attempt resolution through mediation before taking legal action.

Add the state or jurisdiction whose laws will govern the agreement.

• Governing Law: This agreement shall be governed by the laws of the state of [State Name].

Provide spaces for both the landlord and tenant to sign and date the agreement.

• Landlord’s Signature: ____________________________ Date: ____________
• Tenant’s Signature: ____________________________ Date: _____________