Lease Agreement by EasyLegalDocs
Updated 16 February 2026
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
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.
Right of Entry
Landlord may enter the Premises for inspections, repairs, or emergencies with [entry notice hours] hours' notice, except in cases of emergency where no notice is required.
Termination and Renewal
At the end of the lease term, this Agreement shall:
☐ Automatically renew on a ________ basis.
☐ Expire unless renewed by written agreement.
Either party may terminate this Agreement with [termination notice days] days' written notice. If Tenant terminates the lease early, they may be responsible for unpaid rent until a new tenant is found, as permitted by law.
Default and Remedies
If Tenant fails to pay rent or violates any terms of this Agreement, Landlord may:
Issue a written notice to cure the violation within [cure period days] days.
Terminate the lease and initiate eviction proceedings if the violation is not corrected.
Withhold the security deposit to cover unpaid rent or damages.
Tenant shall be responsible for Landlord's legal fees if eviction or collection efforts are required.
Liability and Insurance
Landlord shall not be liable for injury, loss, or damage to Tenant's personal property.
Tenant is encouraged to obtain renters' insurance to cover personal belongings and liability.
Dispute Resolution
Any dispute arising under this Agreement shall first be attempted to be resolved through mediation. If mediation fails, the parties agree to submit the dispute to binding arbitration in ___________. Each party shall bear its own legal costs unless otherwise determined by the arbitrator.
Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of [governing law state].
Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire understanding between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements. Any modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties.
Landlord Signature:
_____________________________
Date: ___________
Tenant Signature:
_____________________________
Date: ___________
About this template
What is this template?
Lease Agreement by EasyLegalDocs is a free, ready-to-use Property template you can open, customize, and download on GitLaw. It gives you a professionally structured starting point, so you never have to draft from a blank page. The wording is plain and modern, organized into clear sections that are easy to read, edit, and adapt to your own situation before you share or sign it.
When should you use it?
Reach for this Property template whenever you need a reliable agreement quickly and want to be sure the essentials are covered. It suits individuals, freelancers, startups, and established businesses alike. Instead of paying for a document drafted from scratch, you can start here, tailor the details to your arrangement, and have a polished draft ready in minutes. This version is drafted with United States of America in mind, though you should always review the final wording against the laws that apply to you.
What's typically included?
A well-drafted Property usually sets out the parties involved, the scope of the agreement, and each side's rights and responsibilities. Expect sections covering key terms and definitions, how long the agreement lasts, how it can be ended, and what happens if something goes wrong. This template brings those building blocks together in a sensible order, so you can focus on the specifics rather than worrying about what to include. Open it to read the full document, then sign up to edit, negotiate, and e-sign it directly in GitLaw.