Free Residential Lease Agreement
Rent out a home or apartment with clear terms. Set the term, rent, and deposit below, download your lease for free, and sign it online with your tenant.
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RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
This Residential Lease Agreement (the "Lease") is entered into by and between [landlordName] ("Landlord") and [tenantName] ("Tenant").
1. PREMISES. Landlord leases to Tenant the residential property located at: [propertyAddress] (the "Premises").
2. TERM. The Lease begins on [leaseStart] and ends on [leaseEnd], unless terminated earlier in accordance with its terms.
3. RENT. Tenant shall pay Landlord rent of [monthlyRent] per month, due in advance on the first day of each month.
4. SECURITY DEPOSIT. Tenant shall pay a security deposit of [securityDeposit], to be held by Landlord and returned within the period required by applicable state law, less lawful deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear.
5. USE OF PREMISES. The Premises shall be used solely as a private residence for Tenant and Tenant's immediate family. Tenant shall not sublet or assign this Lease without Landlord's prior written consent.
6. MAINTENANCE. Tenant shall keep the Premises clean and in good condition and shall promptly notify Landlord of any needed repairs. Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition as required by applicable law.
7. GOVERNING LAW. This Lease shall be governed by the laws of the State of [governingState]. Local landlord-tenant ordinances may impose additional requirements.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Lease.
LANDLORD: [landlordName]
Signature: ______________________ Date: __________
TENANT: [tenantName]
Signature: ______________________ Date: __________
This template is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
What's inside this lease
This residential lease sets out the premises, the lease term, monthly rent, security deposit, permitted use, and maintenance responsibilities for both parties. Putting these terms in writing is the single best way to avoid landlord-tenant disputes. Important: residential tenancies are heavily regulated at the state and often city level — deposit caps, return deadlines, required disclosures (such as lead paint for older properties), and notice periods vary. Check your local requirements and consider an attorney review before use.
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Lease agreement questions
How much security deposit can I charge?
It depends on your state and sometimes your city. Many states cap deposits at one or two months' rent and set deadlines for returning them. Check your local landlord-tenant law before setting the amount.
Can a lease be signed electronically?
Yes. Residential leases are not excluded from the ESIGN Act or UETA, so an electronically signed lease is legally binding in all 50 states.
Do I need extra disclosures?
Often yes. Federal law requires a lead-based paint disclosure for most housing built before 1978, and many states mandate additional disclosures. Add whatever your jurisdiction requires.