Real Estate Documents
Lease Agreement
A lease agreement sets the terms for rent, the property, and what happens if something goes wrong — the details that matter most only show up when a lease is actually tested, usually in a dispute or in court.
What a lease agreement needs to cover
- • The parties and the property address
- • Lease term — start date, end date, and renewal terms
- • Rent amount, due date, and accepted payment methods
- • Security deposit amount and the terms for its return
- • Who's responsible for repairs, utilities, and general maintenance
- • Rules on pets, smoking, subletting, and occupancy limits
- • Signatures from all parties
Why a generic template is a real risk
Security deposit limits, required disclosures, and notice periods are set by state — and sometimes city — law, not by whatever template happens to be free online. A lease that's missing a required disclosure or includes a clause your state doesn't enforce can fail exactly when you need it to hold up. Read why generic lease templates lose in housing court →
Residential vs. commercial
This page covers residential leases. Commercial leases are structured very differently — different rent terms, repair obligations, and termination rights. See how commercial and residential leases differ →
Common Questions
Lease Agreement FAQ
- They're often used interchangeably, but technically a lease locks in a fixed term (like 12 months) at a set rent, while a rental agreement typically runs month-to-month and can be changed with proper notice. Most long-term residential arrangements use a lease.
Get your lease agreement
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This is general information, not legal advice for your specific lease. State and local landlord-tenant law varies and is subject to change — confirm what applies to your property before relying on any template.