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Home Real Estate Lease Agreement

Rental and Lease Agreement Templates

Use our Lease Agreement to rent out your residential property.

Updated May 26, 2023 | Legally reviewed by Susan Chai, Esq.

A Lease Agreement (or rental agreement) is a document that explains the terms under which a tenant rents a residential or commercial property from a landlord.

Lease agreements are legally binding contracts that explain the obligations and rights of the tenant and landlord. Even if you’re renting out a room in your house to a friend or family member, you need a lease agreement for legal protection if you encounter problems with your tenants.

Table of Contents
  • Lease Agreements By Type
  • Lease Agreements By State
  • Legal Information & Guides for Landlords
  • How to Lease a Residential Property [Landlord Lifecycle]
  • Landlord and Tenant Laws by State
  • Rental/Lease Agreement Glossary
  • How to Write (Fill Out) a Lease/Rental Agreement
  • Sample Lease Agreement
  • Frequently Asked Questions

Lease Agreements By Type

Here are some free lease agreement templates by type:

Residential Lease Agreement Forms [For Landlords]

standard residential lease agreement form

Use this template to rent out a residential property for a fixed period of typically one year.

This agreement includes the most essential and common clauses and can be used for a house, apartment, studio, condo, duplex, townhouse, basement, or mobile home.

PDF Word

Standard Lease Agreement

Most Popular
month to month residential lease agreement template

Use this template if you don’t want to commit to renting out your property for a full year or more, but still need to protect your rights. Using a monthly lease allows you (and your tenant) to be flexible.

PDF Word

Month-to-Month Rental Agreement

vacation rental short term lease agreement template

Use this template to rent out your property for a short period of time (usually between 1–31 days), most commonly as a vacation rental. A short-term rental agreement explains to guests the rules of their stay, and what they can expect when they arrive.

PDF Word

Short Term (Vacation) Rental

rent to own lease agreement template
PDF Word

Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement

lease extension agreement template
PDF Word

Lease Extension Agreement

lease renewal form template
PDF Word

Lease Renewal Agreement

Sublease Agreement Forms [For Tenants]

sublease agreement template

Use this template to rent out a property (or just a room) when you’re already renting the property from another landlord. For example, you may want to sublet a property if you need to move out but don’t want to break your lease.

PDF Word

Sublease Agreement

Room Rental Agreement Template

Use this template when you’re renting out a room in your property and need to set rules and boundaries. For example, you can use this agreement to explain how you'll divide rent and utility payments, and whether your tenant can have guests visit.

PDF Word

Room Rental Agreement

roommate agreement sample
PDF Word

Roommate Agreement

Commercial Lease Agreement Forms

sample of a commercial lease agreement template

Use this template if you’re renting out an office building, retail space, restaurant, industrial facility, or any property where the tenant will operate a business.

PDF Word

Commercial Lease Agreement

sample image of a land lease agreement

Use this template to rent out a piece of land that does not have a property on it. A land or ground lease can have multiple purposes, including agricultural, residential, and commercial.

PDF Word

Land Lease Agreement

equipment lease agreement template
PDF Word

Equipment Lease Agreement

Addendums & Amendments

addendum to lease agreement
PDF Word

Lease Agreement Addendum

Commercial Lease Agreement Addendum
PDF Word

Commercial Lease Agreement Addendum

amendment to lease agreement
PDF Word

Lease Amendment

Pet Addendum to Lease
PDF Word

Pet Addendum

smoking addendum agreement
PDF Word

Smoking Addendum

Other Disclosures and Addendums

Download the most common disclosures and addendums below in MS Word (.docx) or Adobe PDF format:

  • Asbestos Disclosure (Word) – notifies tenants of asbestos at the property (required for properties built before 1979)
  • Bed Bug Addendum (Word) – explains how both parties should act in the event of a bedbug infestation
  • Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detector Addendum (Word)– states whether the landlord will provide carbon monoxide/smoke detectors and how the tenant is responsible for keeping them in good condition.
  • Death in Rental Unit Disclosure (Word) – informs the tenant if anyone previously died on the property.
  • Disclosure of Lead-Based Hazards (PDF) – notifies tenants of the existence of lead-based paint or other materials (required for properties built before 1978)
  • Flood Hazard Area Disclosure (Word) – states whether the property is in a special flood hazard area.
  • Foreclosure Notice (Word) – the tenant should provide this during the lease if you must explain that the rental agreement terminates on a specified date.
  • Illegal Substance Contamination Disclosure (Word) – notifies the tenant if parts of the property have been contaminated by the manufacturing or storing of an illicit substance (such as methamphetamine)
  • Mold Disclosure (Word) – notifies the tenant that the property may contain mold and whether the landlord will fix it.
  • Notice of Abandoned Personal Property (Word) – tells the tenant that they left something in the unit when they moved out and need to collect it before it’s thrown out.
  • Shared Utilities Disclosure (Word) – explains how utilities are calculated and shared between multiple residents.

Supplemental Forms

You can further support your original lease agreement by modifying the terms with a lease amendment.

Additionally, you can end an existing lease with a lease termination letter or extend a rental for another term with a lease renewal.

Lease Agreements By State

Find your state-specific residential lease agreement below.

  • Alabama
  • Alaska
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • New York
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Utah
  • Vermont
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin
  • Wyoming

Legal Information & Guides for Landlords

Whether you’re an experienced or first-time landlord, you can use these resources and guides to understand in simple terms what the law says about leases and rental contracts:

  • How to Lease a Residential Property [Step by Step]
  • Landlord and Tenant Laws by State
  • Rental/Lease Agreement Glossary

How to Lease a Residential Property [Landlord Lifecycle]

Follow the steps below to rent your property easily:

1. Show your rental unit to tenants

landlord shaking hands with tenants in empty apartment

The first step in renting out a house or an apartment is to allow people to view the property. If tenants like the property and want to move in, they will likely inquire about the rent amount.

Hosting viewings can be inconvenient if you have multiple properties, so many landlords hire a property management company to show their rental units to potential tenants.

2. Give the tenant a rental application form to fill out

Once you agree on the rent price, the tenant should fill out a rental application. This form helps the landlord screen the tenant, and it includes information such as the applicants:

  • Name
  • Current address
  • Place of employment
  • Income level
  • Rental references

The tenant can confirm their workplace using an employment verification letter. This document is accessible for renters to show proof of income.

Typically, landlords require a small, non-refundable fee from the tenant to process the rental application.

3. Run a background and credit check

After reviewing the tenant’s application, you should run a background check (and/or a credit check).

TIP

Tenant screening like this can help avoid scams and problem tenants. The tenant usually pays for the cost.

A background check shows if the applicant has a prior criminal history, and a credit check confirms whether the applicant has good or bad credit.

Bad credit may signify poor financial planning, resulting in missed rent payments.

Although these checks help you avoid dealing with bad tenants, you shouldn’t base your decision to rent the property solely on the results.

Many states have strict guidelines on tenant discrimination. Refusing tenancy because of minor criminal offenses or bad credit may justifiably violate federal anti-discrimination law.

4. Check the tenant’s references

landlord on the phone calling and checking a tenant's references

Next, you must check the tenant’s references in their rental application form mentioned in step 2.

You should contact the references and ask questions such as:

  • Did the applicant pay their rent and utilities on time?
  • Were there any noise complaints at the tenant’s previous apartment?
  • Have the police ever been called to the tenant’s last rental unit?
  • Would you consider renting to this person again?

Rental references are usually from current or previous landlords and can give insight into the tenant’s character and behavior.

5. Create a lease agreement

landlord handing apartment keys to new tenant

Once you’re happy to rent your property to a tenant, you must create a lease/rental agreement in the correct format.

You make a lease agreement by writing it yourself from scratch, filling in a blank lease agreement template that includes all the necessary clauses, or using a lease agreement builder to create a lease specific to your property.

Remember to include the following:

  • The move-in date
  • The monthly rent payment amount
  • When the rent is due each month
  • What will be done about late rent payments
  • Who should pay or manage the utilities
  • The penalties, if any, for breaking a lease

Both parties sign the agreement after creating the lease contract and reviewing everything with your new tenant. You may need to calculate prorated rent depending on when the tenant moves in.

6. Hand over the keys

Once the lease agreement is completed and signed, give the tenant the keys to move into the property.

Remember to conduct a unit walkthrough alongside the tenant to finish the process. Bring a rental inspection checklist and document the property’s condition before the tenant moves in.

Landlord and Tenant Laws by State

Federal law recognizes that landlords and tenants have individual legal rights and obligations.

Find out what the law in your state says about your rights using the table below, or check the following specific laws for your property:

State Laws on Landlord’s Access to Rental Property

AlabamaHawaiiMassachusettsNew MexicoSouth Dakota
AlaskaIdahoMichiganNew YorkTennessee
ArizonaIllinoisMinnesotaNorth CarolinaTexas
ArkansasIndianaMississippiNorth DakotaUtah
CaliforniaIowaMissouriOhioVermont
ColoradoKansasMontanaOklahomaVirginia
ConnecticutKentuckyNebraskaOregonWashington
DelawareLouisianaNevadaPennsylvaniaWest Virginia
FloridaMaineNew HampshireRhode IslandWisconsin
GeorgiaMarylandNew JerseySouth CarolinaWyoming

Tenants have the right to privacy when they rent a property. However, there may be reasons why a landlord needs to access the property, such as for maintenance or inspections.

Nearly every state requires a landlord to give advance notice to their tenants before accessing a rental unit. Use the table below to check how much notice you need to give in your state and check the relevant law:

State Advance Notice Requirement Law
Alabama 2 days § 35-9A-303
Alaska 1 day § 34.03.140
Arizona 2 days § 33-1343
Arkansas Not required N/A
California - 1 day
- 2 days for move-out rental inspection
Civil Code 1954
Colorado Not required N/A
Connecticut Reasonable written or verbal notice § 47a-16
Delaware 2 days Title 25, Chapter 55 §5509
Florida 12 hours § 83.53
Georgia Not required N/A
Hawaii 2 days § 521-53
Idaho Not required N/A
Illinois Not required N/A
Indiana Reasonable written or verbal notice § 32-31-5-6
Iowa 1 day § 562A.19
Kansas Reasonable written or verbal notice § 58-2557
Kentucky 2 days § 383.615
Louisiana Not required N/A
Maine 1 day Chapter 710, Title 14 § 6025
Maryland Not required N/A
Massachusetts Reasonable written or verbal notice Chapter 186, Section 15B
Michigan Not required N/A
Minnesota Reasonable written or verbal notice § 504B.211
Mississippi Not required N/A
Missouri Not required N/A
Montana 1 day § 70-24-312
Nebraska 1 day § 76-1423
Nevada 1 day § 118A.330
New Hampshire Reasonable written or verbal notice § 540-A:3
New Jersey 1 day N.J.A.C 5:10-1.1
New Mexico 1 day § 47-8-24
New York Not required N/A
North Carolina Not required N/A
North Dakota Reasonable written or verbal notice § 47-16-07.03
Ohio 1 day § 5321.04
Oklahoma 1 day Title 41 § 41-128
Oregon 1 day ORS 90.322
Pennsylvania Not required N/A
Rhode Island 2 days § 34-18-26
South Carolina 1 day § 27-40-530
South Dakota 1 day § 43-32-32
Tennessee 1 day § 66-28-403
Texas Not required N/A
Utah 1 day Title 57 Chapter 22
Vermont 2 days 9 V.S.A. § 4460
Virginia 1 day §55.1-1229
Washington - 2 days with written or verbal notice
- 1 day for the intent to show the unit
§ 59.18.150
West Virginia Not required N/A
Wisconsin "...advance notice and at reasonable times" § 705.05
Wyoming Not required N/A

Security Deposit Laws

Each state regulates the maximum amount of money a landlord can collect as a security deposit from a tenant. Some states also require landlords to return security deposits to tenants within a specific time (potentially with interest).

Usually, a landlord can deduct the following costs from the tenant’s security deposit:

  • Unpaid rent
  • Cleaning costs
  • Key replacement costs
  • Cost to repair damages above ordinary wear and tear
  • Any other amount legally allowable under the lease

Use the table below to see the maximum security deposit limit in your state, whether it needs to be held in a separate account, and how much time you have to refund it after the lease ends:

State Maximum Deposit Limit Held in Separate Account Refund Law
AL 1 month's rent Not required 35 days to return deposit § 35-9A-201
AK 2 months' rent, unless monthly rent is greater than $2000 Escrow account required - 14 days to return deposit
- 30 days to return deposit if tenant doesn't provide proper notice
§ 34.03.070
AZ 1½ months' rent, unless tenant volunteers to pay more Not required 14 days to return deposit § 33-1321
AR 2 months' rent unless landlord owns fewer than 6 rental units Not required 60 days to return deposit § 18-16-304, 18-16-305
CA 2 months rent (if unfurnished) or 3 months' rent (if furnished) Not required 21 days to return deposit Civil Code 1950.5
CO No regulation Not required - 30 days to return deposit unless otherwise stated in the lease
- 60 days maximum if not stated in the lease
§ 38-12-103, 38-12-104
CT - 2 months' rent if tenant is under 62 years old
- 1 month's rent if tenant is over 62 years old
Interest-bearing account required 30 days to return deposit § 47a-21 to 47a-22a
DE 1 month's rent for 1-year lease agreements (if unfurnished) Escrow account required 30 days to return deposit Title 25, Chapter 53
FL No regulation Interest-bearing or non interest-bearing escrow account required (landlord's choice) - 15 days to return deposit
- 30 days if any amount is retained
§ 83.49
GA No regulation Escrow account required except if landlord owns fewer than 11 rental units (unless managed by a third party) 30 days to return deposit § 44-7-31 to 44-7-37
HI 1 month's rent Not required 14 days to return deposit § 521-44
ID No regulation Not required - 21 days to return deposit unless otherwise stated in the lease
- 30 days maximum if not stated in the lease
§ 6-321
IL No regulation Not required 45 days to return deposit 765 ILCS 705/
IN No regulation Not required - 21 days to return deposit unless otherwise stated in the lease
- 30 days maximum if not stated in the lease
§ 32-31-3
IA 2 months' rent Federally-insured account required 30 days to return deposit § 562A.12
KS 1 month's rent (if unfurnished) or 1½ months' rent (if furnished) Not required 30 days to return deposit § 58-2550
KY No regulation Escrow account required 30 days to return deposit § 383.580
LA No regulation Not required 30 days to return deposit RS 9:3251
ME 2 months' rent Not required 30 days to return deposit Chapter 710-A
MD 2 months' rent Escrow account required 45 days to return deposit § 8-203
MA 1 month's rent Interest-bearing escrow account required 30 days to return deposit Chapter 186, Section 15B
MI 1½ months' rent Not required 30 days to return deposit § 554.602 to 554.615
MN No regulation Not required 21 days to return deposit § 504B.178
MS No regulation Not required 45 days to return deposit § 89-8-21
MO 2 months' rent Not required 30 days to return deposit § 535.300
MT No regulation Not required - 10 days to return deposit
- 30 days if any amount is retained
§ 70-25-201 to 70-25-206
NE 1 month's rent Not required 14 days to return deposit § 17-1416
NV 3 months' rent Not required 30 days to return deposit § 118A.242 to 118A.250
NH 1 month's rent or $100 (whichever is greater) Not required 30 days to return deposit § 540-A:6 to 540-A:8
NJ 1½ months' rent Not required 30 days to return deposit § 46:8-19
NM - 1 month's rent for lease terms less than 1 year
- No limit for lease terms greater than 1 year
Not required 30 days to return deposit § 47-8-18
NY No regulation Not required 14 days to return deposit Emergency Tenant Protection Act 576/74
NC - 2 weeks' rent for week-to-week lease agreements
- 1½ months' rent for month-to-month lease agreements
- 2 months' rent for yearly leases
Trust account or bank bond required - 30 days to return deposit
- 60 days to return deposit if damages exceed 1 month's rent
Article 6 Tenant Security Deposit Act
ND 1 month's rent Escrow account required 30 days to return deposit § 47-16-07.1
OH No regulation Not required 30 days to return deposit § 5321.16
OK No regulation Federally-insured escrow account required 30 days to return deposit Title 41 §41-115
OR No regulation Not required 31 days to return deposit ORS 90.300
PA 2 months' rent Escrow account required for deposits greater than $100 or any amount held for longer than 2 years 30 days to return deposit Landlord Tenant Act Section 511-512
RI 1 month's rent Not required 20 days to return deposit § 34-18-19
SC No regulation Not required 30 days to return deposit § 27-40-410
SD 1 month's rent Not required 14 days to return deposit § 43-32-6.1, § 43-32-24
TN No regulation Escrow account required 30 days to return deposit § 66-28-301
TX No regulation Not required 30 days to return deposit § 92.101 - 92.110
UT No regulation Not required 30 days to return deposit Title 57 Chapter 17
VT No regulation Not required 14 days to return deposit 9 V.S.A. § 4461
VA 2 months' rent Not required 45 days to return deposit § 55.1-1226
WA No regulation Escrow account required 21 days to return deposit § 59.18.253, 59.18.260 - 59.18.285
WV No regulation Not required 60 days to return deposit Chapter 37 Article 6A
WI No regulation Not required 21 days to return deposit ATCP § 134.06
WY No regulation Not required - 30 days to return deposit
- 60 days if any amount is retained
§ 1-21-1208

Rental/Lease Agreement Glossary

Here are some helpful definitions for the legal language commonly used in lease and rental agreement forms:

  • Access: the right to enter a property.
  • Accidents: artificial or naturally occurring events that may damage a property (fire, flood, earthquake, etc.).
  • Alterations: modifications made to a property.
  • Appliances: standard home equipment like a refrigerator or dishwasher.
  • Assignment: the transfer of an interest in a lease.
  • Attorney Fees: a payment made to a lawyer.
  • Condemnation: the government is seizing private property for a public purpose, such as highway construction.
  • Default: when a breach of contract occurs and persists, such as not paying rent or violating other terms of a rental lease agreement.
  • Furniture: standard home equipment such as couches, tables, beds, etc.
  • Guarantor / Co-Signer: someone accountable for paying rent if the tenant cannot.
  • Guests: short-term occupants of a rental property.
  • Joint and several liabilities: two or more people are independently held accountable for damages, regardless of who is at fault.
  • Late Rent Fee: an additional, reasonable sum of money paid by a tenant after making a rent payment past the due date listed in the lease agreement.
  • Noise Policy: a provision of a lease agreement outlining “quiet hours” in the apartment building, condominium, or neighborhood.
  • Notice: a written announcement of some fact or observation.
  • Option to Purchase: the tenant’s right to purchase the rental property later.
  • Parking: designated spaces where the tenant can keep their vehicles.
  • Pet Policy: the permission or restriction of a tenant’s ability to have an animal in a rental property.
  • Property Maintenance: preserving a rental unit and who is responsible. Such as cutting the grass, removing the garbage, or unclogging the kitchen and bathroom drains.
  • Renewal: a tenant’s option to continue the lease.
  • Renter’s Insurance: a paid policy that protects personal belongings against theft or damage.
  • Severability: a clause of a lease stating that if one part of the agreement is invalid for any reason, the rest of the lease is still enforceable.
  • Smoking Policy: the permission or restriction of a tenant’s smoking ability inside rental property.
  • Sublet: a temporary housing arrangement between current and new tenants to rent all or part of the currently leased property. The subletting period must be for less than the lease term.
  • Successor: someone who takes over the obligations of a lease from a tenant or landlord.
  • Utilities: a public or private service supplying electricity, water, gas, or trash collection to a property.
  • Waterbed: a water-filled furnishing used to sleep and not typically permitted in most rental properties

How to Write (Fill Out) a Lease/Rental Agreement

Here’s how to write a lease:

1. Name the parties

A simple rental agreement form must name the parties signing the lease and where they live. First, you should write down the following:

  • the landlord or property management company and their current address
  • the tenant or tenants and their current address

    highlighted name section of a lease agreement template
    This is an example of where to write the Tenant and Landlord names in our lease template.

2. Describe the premises

The “premises” are the exact address and type of rented property, such as an apartment, house, or condominium.

highlighted premises section of a sample rental agreement
An example of the “Premises” section from our rental agreement template.

3. Define the terms of the lease

The “term” is the length of time a tenant will rent the listed property. A standard lease agreement should detail when the lease term begins and ends.

Furthermore, a lease can either be fixed-term or month-to-month.

  • A fixed-term rental lease means the agreement is set for a predetermined or fixed period. This lease expires on the end date listed in the agreement (usually up to 6 months, one year, or two years from the start date).
  • A month-to-month rental lease means the agreement lasts one month with no defined end date. It continues monthly until either the landlord or tenant terminates the agreement.
highlighted term section of a lease agreement example form
An example of the “Term” section from our printable lease agreement.

4. Set how much rent is owed

A lease agreement must explicitly list the monthly rental amount and outline the consequences of late rent.

It’s up to the landlord to decide how much to charge for rent, but the cost is usually comparable to other properties within the same area.

In addition, standard rent control laws may limit the amount you can charge for rent. Check your local rent control ordinance to ensure your lease agreement complies with those regulations.

highlighted rent section of a sample rental lease agreement
This is an example of our free lease agreement’s “Rent” and “Additional Rent” sections.

5. Assign a security deposit amount

A security deposit is a set amount of money usually collected at the beginning of the lease.

IMPORTANT

Landlords have the right to collect a security deposit from their tenants. Still, their states’ security deposit laws define what landlords can use that money for (check the security deposit laws of your state).

6. Finalize the lease

Once you finish discussing the details with your tenant, remember to:

  • Print – print at least two copies of the rental lease for you and the other party
  • Sign – sign and date the lease agreement form (both the tenant(s) and landlord)
  • Save – safely file a hard copy of the signed document and consider scanning an electronic copy for extra safekeeping.

Sample Lease Agreement

The following standard residential lease agreement works for all states except California, Florida, and Washington, DC.

standard residential rental lease agreement 2023

DOWNLOAD PDF
DOWNLOAD MS WORD

View our filled-out rental lease example to see a completed residential lease agreement.

Use these free printable lease agreement templates or create a customized document using our easy step-by-step builder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Lease?


A lease is a legally binding contract used when a landlord (the “lessor”) rents out a property to a tenant (the “lessee”).

This written agreement states the rental terms, such as how long the tenant will rent the property and how much they will pay, in addition to the repercussions for breaking the agreement.

A lease is also commonly called a lease agreement, a rental agreement, a rental contract, a lease form, a rental lease agreement, an apartment lease, a tenancy agreement, and a house rental agreement.

Why Do I Need a Lease Agreement?


You need a lease agreement because it explains your responsibilities as a landlord, sets rules for the tenants living in your property, and is often required by state law. A lease agreement helps you avoid disputes with your tenants and fix problems when they arise.

Suppose you rent out a property but don’t use a lease agreement. In that case, you could lose rent money, be liable for illegal activities on the property, receive penalties for unpaid utility costs, or spend a lot on property damage repairs and lawyer fees. Anyone renting a home, land, or commercial building should have a lease agreement.

All adult tenants must be given a copy of the lease agreement after signing it. Landlords and property managers should also keep a copy on file.

How Do I Rent Out a Room in My House?


You rent out a room in your house by using a lease agreement stating you’re renting out a room, not the entire property. If you’re a tenant living in a rental property, you can sublet a room to another tenant using a room rental agreement.

A standard residential lease and a room rental agreement allow you to establish quiet hours, times guests can visit, how to divide utility payments, and rules regarding pets, smoking, and parking.

Both parties sign the agreement to rent a room, and the landlord collects a security deposit from the tenant before handing over the keys.

What’s the Difference Between a Lease and a Rental Agreement?


The difference between a lease and a rental agreement is the duration of the contract. Lease agreements are typically long-term (12 to 24 months), whereas rental agreements are usually short-term (a few weeks or months).

If you decide whether a lease or rent is best for you, remember that a lease agreement provides more security, but a rental agreement offers more flexibility.

What Are My Responsibilities as a Landlord?


Your responsibilities as a landlord include the following:

  • Repairing and maintaining the normal wear and tear of appliances like the air conditioner or heater.
  • Respect a tenant’s right to “quiet enjoyment” (living without disturbances). For example, you should not visit the property unnecessarily and deal with problems that cause noise (such as dogs barking).
  • Provide the tenant with a safe and clean home for the lease term. Examples include removing mold, resolving water damage, and fixing ventilation problems.
  • Return the tenant’s security deposit if the tenant treats the property respectfully and the rental is in good condition at the end of the lease term.
  • Give the tenant advance notice when you must enter the premises to fix something or show someone the property.

Landlords’ responsibilities differ according to state landlord-tenant laws, which describe how a landlord should handle access to the property, security deposits, and evictions.

What Happens if a Tenant Violates a Lease?


If a tenant violates a lease, the landlord may try to resolve the problem by allowing the tenant to fix it (unless the violation is significant, such as using the property to sell or manufacture illegal drugs). If the issue is not resolved within a specific period (as set by state law), the landlord can begin eviction to remove the tenant.

Common lease violations include unpaid rent and utility bills, damage to the property, and the tenant breaking the law.

What Should I Include in a Lease Agreement?


You should include the following information and clauses in a lease agreement:

  • Names of all tenants: write the names of every adult living on the property.
  • Term: State the lease’s duration and whether it’s for a fixed period or will automatically renew.
  • Rent: set the amount of money the tenant will pay to live in the property and which day of the month the tenant will pay the rent.
  • Premises: describe the property and where it is located.
  • Security deposit: assign an amount of money the tenant will give the landlord to hold in case of any damages

Depending on your property and its location, you may need to include some common disclosures and addendums that address specific situations, such as smoking or pets.

Related Landlords Documents

  • Lease Termination Letter: A document created by the landlord or tenant in order to end an existing lease or rental agreement.
  • Lease Renewal Agreement: Extends the term of an existing lease agreement between a landlord and a tenant.
  • Eviction Notice: A written record that the Landlord properly notified the Tenant of a problem (i.e. lease violation, late rent, the lease ended).

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