Lease Agreement by EasyLegalDocs
This is a standard residential lease agreement template that outlines the terms and conditions for renting a property. It covers essential aspects such as the lease term, rent, security deposit, use of premises, utilities, maintenance responsibilities, and termination clauses. This document helps establish the legal framework for the relationship between a landlord and a tenant.
LEASE AGREEMENT
This Lease Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of [effective date], by and between:
BY AND BETWEEN: | Landlord: [landlord name] |
AND: | Tenant: [tenant name] |
Property
Landlord leases to Tenant the property located at:
[premises address] (the "Premises").
The Premises shall include the following, if applicable:
Lease Term
The lease term shall begin on [lease start date] and end on [lease end date] (the "Term"), unless renewed or terminated as provided in this Agreement. If Tenant remains in possession of the Premises after the Term expires without written agreement, the lease shall convert to a month-to-month tenancy at a rental rate of $[monthly rent] per month, subject to termination by either party with [termination notice days] days' written notice.
Rent
Tenant shall pay rent in the amount of $[monthly rent] per month, due on the [rent due day] of each month. Payments shall be made via [payment method] to _____________________________.
Rent shall be paid without demand, deduction, or offset.
A late fee of $[late fee amount] will be assessed if rent is not received within [lateness period] days after the due date.
If any check is returned for insufficient funds, Tenant shall pay a fee of $[check fee] in addition to the unpaid rent.
Security Deposit
Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[security deposit] before taking possession of the Premises. The deposit shall be returned within [security deposit return period] days of lease termination, less any deductions for unpaid rent, cleaning, and damages beyond normal wear and tear. A detailed itemization of deductions, if any, will be provided to Tenant.
Use of Premises
Tenant shall use the Premises solely for residential purposes and shall not engage in any illegal activities or activities that violate community rules or homeowners' association regulations (if applicable). Tenant shall not use the Premises in any manner that would increase the risk of fire or other hazards.
Utilities and Services
Tenant's Responsibilities: Tenant shall pay for
Landlord's Responsibilities: Landlord shall pay for
Failure to pay for required utilities may result in a breach of this Agreement.
Repairs and Maintenance
Tenant shall maintain the Premises in a clean and habitable condition and shall notify Landlord of any necessary repairs.
Tenant is responsible for minor maintenance, including but not limited to replacing light bulbs and air filters.
Landlord shall be responsible for major repairs, including structural repairs, plumbing, heating, and electrical issues, unless damage was caused by Tenant’s negligence.
Tenant shall not make any alterations, including painting, installing fixtures, or structural modifications, without prior written consent from Landlord.
Pets
☐ Pets are NOT allowed.
☐ Pets are allowed with a non-refundable pet deposit of $[pet deposit] and subject to the following conditions:
Subleasing and Guests
Tenant shall not sublease or assign the Premises without prior written consent from Landlord.
Guests may stay no longer than [amount of days for guests] consecutive days without Landlord's approval.
This is a preview. The full template is free on GitLaw.
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About this template
What is this template?
This is a residential rental contract between a landlord and a tenant. It contains specific sections for pet deposits, major vs minor repair allocations, and a cure period for defaults. It is not a commercial lease or a short-term vacation rental agreement.
When should you use it?
Use this template when leasing a house or apartment for a set duration where both parties agree to mandatory arbitration for disputes. Use a Commercial Lease Agreement instead for business premises or an Eviction Notice if the tenant has already breached the terms.
What's inside
| Clause | Name | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Property | Identifies the Premises address and includes optional descriptions for garages, storage units, and appliances. |
| 2 | Lease Term | Establishes start and end dates and provides for conversion to month-to-month tenancy if the Tenant remains post-expiration. |
| 3 | Rent | Specifies a monthly rent amount, a late fee for payments after a set lateness period, and an NSF check fee. |
| 4 | Security Deposit | Requires a deposit before possession and mandates its return within a specific number of days after lease termination. |
| 7 | Repairs and Maintenance | Assigns responsibility for major repairs to the Landlord and minor tasks like replacing air filters to the Tenant. |
| 10 | Right of Entry | Permits the Landlord to enter the property for inspections or repairs given a specific number of hours' notice. |
| 12 | Default and Remedies | Grants the Landlord authority to issue a notice to cure within a set number of days before initiating eviction. |
| 14 | Dispute Resolution | Requires parties to attempt mediation followed by binding arbitration if a dispute arises under the Agreement. |
Who it's for
- a landlord renting a residential property for a fixed period with specific utility and maintenance allocations
- a tenant seeking a residential lease that defines guest stay limits and security deposit return timelines
- parties in the USA requiring a lease that converts to month-to-month status upon expiration
How long it runs and how it's signed
United States note
This version is drafted for US law generally. Contract, employment and consumer rules vary by state — for example on non-competes and at-will employment. Tell GitLaw which state applies and it adjusts the draft.
Frequently asked questions
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Mostly US and UK law. Some templates use general commercial terms that work across jurisdictions, and many note which law they're written for.
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