RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
This Residential Lease Agreement ("Lease") is entered into on [Date] (the "Effective Date").
PARTIES
Landlord: [Landlord Full Name]
Address: [Landlord Address], [City], [State], [Postal Code]
Phone: [Phone Number] | Email: [Email]
(hereinafter referred to as "Landlord")
Tenant: [Tenant Full Name]
Current Address: [Current Address], [City], [State], [Postal Code]
Phone: [Phone Number] | Email: [Email]
Emergency Contact: [Name and Phone]
(hereinafter referred to as "Tenant")
ARTICLE 1: PROPERTY
1.1 The Landlord agrees to lease to the Tenant the following residential property (the "Premises"):
Address: [Street Address], [Unit/Apt Number], [City], [State], [Postal Code]
1.2 Property Type: [Apartment/House/Condo/Townhouse]
1.3 Bedrooms: [Number] | Bathrooms: [Number] | Square Footage: [Area]
1.4 Parking: [Number of Spaces/None/Street Parking]
1.5 Included Appliances and Furnishings:
- [Refrigerator/Stove/Dishwasher/etc.]
- [List other items]
ARTICLE 2: TERM
2.1 Lease Type: [Fixed-term/Month-to-Month]
2.2 Lease Period: This Lease shall commence on [Start Date] and shall continue until [End Date], unless terminated earlier in accordance with this Lease.
2.3 Renewal: [Automatic renewal/Requires new agreement/Month-to-month after term]
ARTICLE 3: RENT
3.1 Monthly Rent: The Tenant shall pay monthly rent of $[Amount] ([Amount in Words] Dollars).
3.2 Due Date: Rent is due on the [Day] day of each month.
3.3 Payment Method: Rent shall be paid by:
- [Bank transfer/Check/Online payment/Cash]
- Payable to: [Name/Account Details]
3.4 Late Fee: If rent is not received by the [Day] day of the month, a late fee of $[Amount] will be charged [per day/one-time].
3.5 Returned Check Fee: A fee of $[Amount] will be charged for any returned payment.
3.6 Rent Increases: The Landlord may increase rent with [Number] days' written notice, subject to local rent control laws.
ARTICLE 4: SECURITY DEPOSIT
4.1 Amount: The Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[Amount] upon signing this Lease.
4.2 Purpose: The security deposit may be used for:
- Unpaid rent
- Cleaning costs beyond normal wear and tear
- Repairs for damage caused by Tenant
- Other charges under this Lease
4.3 Return: The security deposit, less any lawful deductions, will be returned to the Tenant within [Number] days after the Lease ends, along with an itemized statement of deductions.
4.4 Interest: [Security deposit will/will not earn interest] as required by local law.
ARTICLE 5: UTILITIES AND SERVICES
5.1 Tenant Responsibilities: The Tenant shall be responsible for paying the following utilities:
- [Electricity/Gas/Water/Sewer/Trash/Internet/Cable]
5.2 Landlord Responsibilities: The Landlord shall be responsible for:
- [List utilities/services paid by Landlord]
5.3 The Tenant shall arrange for utility services to be in Tenant's name and maintain service throughout the Lease term.
ARTICLE 6: USE AND OCCUPANCY
6.1 Residential Use: The Premises shall be used solely as a private residence for the Tenant and the following occupants:
[List all occupants' names]
6.2 Maximum Occupancy: No more than [Number] persons may reside in the Premises.
6.3 Guests: Guests may visit for periods not exceeding [Number] consecutive days without Landlord's written consent.
6.4 Pets: [No pets allowed/Pets allowed with approval/Following pets approved:]
Pet deposit (if applicable): $[Amount]
6.5 Smoking: Smoking is [prohibited/allowed only in designated areas].
ARTICLE 7: MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
7.1 Landlord Responsibilities: The Landlord shall maintain:
- Structural components (roof, walls, foundation)
- Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
- Common areas (if applicable)
- Appliances provided by Landlord
- Compliance with building and housing codes
7.2 Tenant Responsibilities: The Tenant shall:
- Keep the Premises clean and sanitary
- Dispose of garbage properly
- Replace light bulbs and smoke detector batteries
- Report needed repairs promptly
- Not cause damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Maintain yard/lawn (if applicable)
7.3 Repairs: The Tenant shall notify the Landlord in writing of any needed repairs. The Landlord shall make repairs within a reasonable time after notification.
7.4 Tenant-Caused Damage: The Tenant shall pay for repairs to damage caused by Tenant's negligence, misuse, or violation of this Lease.
ARTICLE 8: ALTERATIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS
8.1 The Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements to the Premises without the Landlord's prior written consent.
8.2 Any approved improvements shall become the property of the Landlord unless otherwise agreed in writing.
8.3 The Tenant may hang pictures using small nails or hooks but must repair holes upon move-out.
ARTICLE 9: ACCESS TO PREMISES
9.1 The Landlord may enter the Premises:
- In case of emergency, at any time
- To make repairs, with [24/48] hours' notice
- For inspections, with reasonable notice
- To show the property to prospective tenants or buyers, with reasonable notice
9.2 Entry shall be at reasonable times, except in emergencies.
ARTICLE 10: INSURANCE
10.1 Landlord's Insurance: The Landlord maintains insurance on the building and property. This does not cover the Tenant's personal belongings.
10.2 Tenant's Insurance: The Tenant is [required/strongly encouraged] to obtain renter's insurance to cover personal property and liability.
ARTICLE 11: TENANT RULES AND REGULATIONS
11.1 The Tenant agrees to:
- Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
- Not disturb neighbors or other tenants
- Not engage in illegal activities on the Premises
- Follow HOA or building rules (if applicable)
- Maintain reasonable noise levels, especially during quiet hours
- Park only in designated areas
ARTICLE 12: TERMINATION
12.1 Termination Notice: Either party may terminate this Lease by providing [30/60] days' written notice before the desired termination date.
12.2 Early Termination by Tenant: If Tenant terminates early, Tenant may be responsible for:
- Rent until a replacement tenant is found
- Early termination fee of $[Amount]
- Advertising and re-rental costs
12.3 Landlord Right to Terminate: The Landlord may terminate immediately if Tenant:
- Fails to pay rent
- Violates material terms of this Lease
- Engages in illegal activity
- Damages the property
12.4 Move-Out Inspection: A joint inspection will be conducted before move-out to assess the property condition.
ARTICLE 13: ABANDONMENT
13.1 The Premises shall be considered abandoned if the Tenant is absent for [Number] consecutive days without notice while rent is unpaid.
13.2 Upon abandonment, the Landlord may retake possession and dispose of any personal property left behind in accordance with local law.
ARTICLE 14: GENERAL PROVISIONS
14.1 Governing Law: This Lease shall be governed by the laws of [State/Province].
14.2 Entire Agreement: This Lease constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior agreements.
14.3 Amendments: This Lease may only be amended in writing signed by both parties.
14.4 Severability: If any provision is found invalid, the remaining provisions remain in effect.
14.5 Assignment and Subletting: The Tenant may not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises without the Landlord's written consent.
14.6 Notices: All notices shall be in writing and delivered to the addresses listed above.
14.7 Attorney's Fees: In any legal action, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs.
14.8 Holdover: If Tenant remains after the Lease ends without agreement, Tenant becomes a month-to-month tenant subject to all terms except the lease period.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Lease as of the date first written above.
LANDLORD:
Signature: _________________________________
Name: _____________________________________
Date: ______________________________________
TENANT:
Signature: _________________________________
Name: _____________________________________
Date: ______________________________________