Residential Lease
Lease agreement
Legal templates
Free lease agreement template, built with AI
A clear residential lease agreement covering rent, deposit, term, utilities, pets, repairs and more, with signature blocks for landlord and tenant. Download the PDF and fill in the details.
↓ Download free PDFPlease note: this lease template is for general information only and isn’t legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws differ by state and city, so have a qualified lawyer review your lease before you sign it.
In this guide: What is a lease agreement · Lease vs rental agreement · What to include · Tips for landlords · Tips for tenants · FAQ
What is a lease agreement?
A lease agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets the rules for renting a property: how long the tenant can live there, how much rent they pay, and what each side is responsible for. A written lease protects both parties. Landlords get clear terms they can enforce, and tenants get certainty about their rent and their rights.
This lease agreement template covers the twelve clauses most residential leases need, written in plain language that’s easy for both sides to understand.
Lease agreement vs rental agreement
A lease usually runs for a fixed term, often 12 months, and the rent can’t change during that time. A rental agreement is usually month to month and can be ended or changed with notice, typically 30 days. This template works as a fixed-term lease, with an optional box to let it roll over to month to month at the end.
What to include in a lease agreement
- Parties and property: names of landlord and all adult tenants, and the full address.
- Term: start and end dates, and what happens at the end.
- Rent: amount, due date, payment method and late fees.
- Security deposit: amount and how and when it will be returned.
- Utilities: who pays for what.
- Occupants, pets and smoking rules.
- Maintenance and repairs: who is responsible for what.
- Landlord entry: how much notice is given.
- Subletting, ending the lease and governing law.
- Required disclosures, such as lead paint for homes built before 1978.
Put your rental on paper
A plain-English lease with all the key clauses.
Tips for landlords
- Check your state’s limits on security deposits and late fees before filling them in.
- Do a move-in inspection with the tenant and take dated photos.
- List every adult who will live in the property as a tenant.
- Keep a signed copy and give one to the tenant.
Tips for tenants
- Read every clause before signing and ask about anything unclear.
- Get any promises, like a new appliance or a pet allowance, written into the lease.
- Photograph the property when you move in to protect your deposit.
- Know how much notice you need to give before moving out.
Lease agreement questions
What should a lease agreement include?
The parties, property, term, rent, security deposit, utilities, occupancy and pet rules, maintenance duties, landlord entry, subletting rules, governing law and signatures.
What’s the difference between a lease and a rental agreement?
A lease usually runs for a fixed term like 12 months. A rental agreement is usually month to month and can be ended with notice.
Does a lease agreement need to be notarized?
In most states, a residential lease doesn’t need to be notarized to be valid, but check your local rules.
Is this lease agreement template free?
Yes. Download the PDF with no signup, no watermark and no paywall.
Can a landlord change the rent during a lease?
Generally not during a fixed-term lease, unless the lease allows it. Changes usually happen at renewal, with proper notice.
