-Sample Rental Lease Agreement
RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS RESIDENTIAL LEASE (the "Lease") dated this ___ day of ____________________,20___.
BETWEEN:
_______________
(the "Landlord")
- AND-
_______________
(the "Tenant")
(individually the "Party" and collectively the "Parties")
IN CONSIDERATION OF the Landlord leasing certain premises to the Tenant and other valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which consideration is hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
- The Landlord agrees to rent to the Tenant the house, municipally described as ______________________, ______________________, _____________, ______________________ (the "Property"), for use as residential premises only.
- No guests of the Tenants may occupy the Property for longer than one week without the prior written consent of the Landlord.
- The term of the Lease is a periodic commencing at 12:00 noon on _____________of _____________, 20___ and continuing on a month-to-month basis until the Landlord or the Tenant terminates the tenancy.
- Subject to the provisions of this Lease, the rent for the Property is $_____________ per week (the "Rent").
- The Tenant will pay the Rent weekly, on or before ______________ of each and every week of the term of this Lease to the Landlord at ______________________, ______________________, State of _____________, ______________________ or at such other place as the Landlord may later designate by Cash.
- The Tenant will obtain written permission from the Landlord before doing any of the following:
- applying adhesive materials, or inserting nails or hooks in walls or ceilings other than two small picture hooks per wall;
- painting, wallpapering, redecorating or in any way significantly altering the appearance of the Property;
- removing or adding walls, or performing any structural alterations;
- installing a waterbed(s);
- changing the amount of heat or power normally used on the Property as well as installing additional electrical wiring or heating units;
- placing or exposing or allowing to be placed or exposed anywhere inside or outside the Property any placard, notice or sign for advertising or any other purpose; or
- affixing to or erecting upon or near the Property any radio or TV antenna or tower.
- The Tenant is hereby advised and understands that the personal property of the Tenant is not insured by the Landlord for either damage or loss, and the Landlord assumes no liability for any such loss.
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In the event that any action is filed in relation to this Lease, the unsuccessful Party in the action will pay to the successful Party, in addition to all the sums that either Party may be called on to pay, a reasonable sum for the successful Party's attorney fees.
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This Lease will be construed in accordance with and exclusively governed by the laws of the State of _____________.
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If there is a conflict between any provision of this Lease and the applicable legislation of the State of Alabama (the "Act"), the Act will prevail and such provisions of the Lease will be amended or deleted as necessary in order to comply with the Act. Further, any provisions that are required by the Act are incorporated into this Lease.
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The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Lease will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Lease. Such other provisions remain in full force and effect.
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This Lease may only be amended or modified by a written document executed by the Parties.
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If the Property should be damaged other than by the Tenant's negligence or willful act or that of the Tenant's employee, family, agent, or visitor and the Landlord decides not to rebuild or repair the Property, the Landlord may end this Lease by giving appropriate notice.
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The Tenant will promptly notify the Landlord of any damage, or of any situation that may significantly interfere with the normal use of the Property or to any furnishings supplied by the Landlord.
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The Tenant will not engage in any illegal trade or activity on or about the Property.
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The Parties will comply with standards of health, sanitation, fire, housing and safety as required by law.
- The Parties will use reasonable efforts to maintain the Property in such a condition as to prevent the accumulation of moisture and the growth of mold. The Tenant will promptly notify the Landlord in writing of any moisture accumulation that occurs or of any visible evidence of mold discovered by the Tenant. The Landlord will promptly respond to any such written notices from the Tenant.
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If the Tenant is absent from the Property and the Property is unoccupied for a period of 4 consecutive days or longer, the Tenant will arrange for regular inspection by a competent person. The Landlord will be notified in advance as to the name, address and phone number of the person doing the inspections.
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At the expiration of the term of this Lease, the Tenant will quit and surrender the Property in as good a state and condition as they were at the commencement of this Lease, reasonable use and wear and tear excepted.
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The Tenant will obey all rules and regulations of the Landlord regarding the Property.
- For any matter relating to this tenancy, the Tenant may be contacted at the Property or through the phone number below. After this tenancy has been terminated, the contact information of the Tenant is:
- Name: _______________
- Phone: ______________________
- For any matter relating to this tenancy, whether during or after this tenancy has been terminated, the Landlord's address for notice is:
- Name: _______________
- Address: ______________________, ______________________, State of _____________, ______________________
The contact information for the Landlord is:
- Phone: ______________________
- All monetary amounts stated or referred to in this Lease are based in the United States dollar.
- Any waiver by the Landlord of any failure by the Tenant to perform or observe the provisions of this Lease will not operate as a waiver of the Landlord's rights under this Lease in respect of any subsequent defaults, breaches or non-performance and will not defeat or affect in any way the Landlord's rights in respect of any subsequent default or breach.
- This Lease will extend to and be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, as the case may be, of each Party. All covenants are to be construed as conditions of this Lease.
- All sums payable by the Tenant to the Landlord pursuant to any provision of this Lease will be deemed to be additional rent and will be recovered by the Landlord as rental arrears.
- Where there is more than one Tenant executing this Lease, all Tenants are jointly and severally liable for each other's acts, omissions and liabilities pursuant to this Lease.
- Locks may not be added or changed without the prior written agreement of both Parties, or unless the changes are made in compliance with the Act.
- The Tenant will be charged an additional amount of $25.00 for each N.S.F. check or checks returned by the Tenant's financial institution.
- Headings are inserted for the convenience of the Parties only and are not to be considered when interpreting this Lease. Words in the singular mean and include the plural and vice versa. Words in the masculine mean and include the feminine and vice versa.
- This Lease may be executed in counterparts. Facsimile signatures are binding and are considered to be original signatures.
- This Lease constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties.
- During the last 30 days of this Lease, the Landlord or the Landlord's agents will have the privilege of displaying the usual 'For Sale' or 'For Rent' or 'Vacancy' signs on the Property.
- Time is of the essence in this Lease.
Leased Property
Term
Rent
Tenant Improvements
Insurance
Attorney Fees
Governing Law
Severability
Amendment of Lease
Damage to Property
Care and Use of Property
Rules and Regulations
Address for Notice
General Provisions
IN WITNESS WHEREOF _______________ and _______________ have duly affixed their signatures on this ___ day of ____________________,20___.
|
_________________________________ Landlord: _______________ |
_________________________________ Tenant: _______________ |
The Tenant acknowledges receiving a duplicate copy of this Lease signed by the Tenant and the Landlord on the _____ day of ______________________, 20____.
|
_________________________________ Tenant: _______________ |
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Property: ______________________, ______________________, _____________, ______________________
Landlord: _______________
Tenant: _______________
Landlord's Disclosure
The Landlord CERTIFIES THAT:
- The Landlord has NO knowledge of any lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in or about the Property.
- The Landlord has NO records or reports relating to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in or about the Property.
| Date: ___ day of ____________________,20___ | Landlord: _______________ per: _________________________________ |
Tenant's Disclosure
The Tenant ACKNOWLEDGES receipt of:
- the information contained in the above Landlord's Disclosure including the above-mentioned reports and records; and
- the pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home (EPA-747-K-99-001) or an equivalent pamphlet that has been approved for use in the state by the Environmental Protection Agency.
| Date: ___ day of ____________________,20___ | Tenant: _______________ per: _________________________________ |
The pamphlet Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home can be ordered in hard copy or can be printed from the website http://www2.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-lead-your-home.
Asbestos Disclosure
Property: ______________________, ______________________, _____________, ______________________
Landlord: _______________
Tenant: _______________
Landlord's Disclosure
The Landlord CERTIFIES THAT:
- The Landlord has investigated and there is no asbestos in or about the Property.
- The Landlord has NO records or reports with respect to asbestos in or about the Property.
| Date: ___ day of ____________________,20___ | Landlord: _______________ per: _________________________________ |
Tenant's Disclosure
The Tenant ACKNOWLEDGES receipt of the information contained in the above Landlord's Disclosure including any reports and records.
| Date: ___ day of ____________________,20___ | Tenant: _______________ per: _________________________________ |
Residential Lease Agreement
A Residential Lease Agreement is also known as:
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Rental Agreement
Lease Agreement
Rental Lease Agreement
Rental Contract
Lease Form
Apartment Lease
Why is a Residential Lease Agreement a MUST?
When entering into any type of rental situation, it’s important that you have an Agreement in writing that outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party. Whether you are a property owner/manager (Landlord), or someone who wishes to rent a property to live in (Tenant), a written Lease Agreement signed by both parties is a MUST.
Verbal agreements are easily forgotten or mis-remembered, and impossible to enforce. A written Lease Agreement is a legal contract that details the Landlord-Tenant relationship and clearly specifies the rules and conditions for the rental, so that both sides understand their obligations in order to lessen or avoid any misunderstandings or disagreements in the future.
A Lease is usually prepared by the Landlord, but can also be prepared by the Tenant. Creating a Residential Lease Agreement is easy. You’re already in the right place to get started. The Lease Agreement template is free; you answer a few simple questions above, and you are on your way to create a Rental Lease Agreement.
A Residential Lease Agreement is Used for Living Spaces and Arrangements
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House, Apartment, Condo
Townhouse, Duplex
Mobile Home, Trailer
Room, Basement, Attic
Guest House, In-Law Suite
Vacation Rental
If the rental is a place of business, it requires a different type of Lease Agreement. Use our Commercial Lease Contract.
What is Included in a Lease Contract?
A Basic Residential Lease Agreement form includes the following information:
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Names and contact info of Landlord and Tenant
Address and type of property being rented
Whether the property is furnished or unfurnished
Start and end dates of the Lease
Amount of rent and when it is due
Any fees charged if rent is late or for missing a rent payment
If the rent can be increased
Deposits paid (security/damage deposit, pet deposit, etc.)
Does Tenant have option to renew lease or to purchase property (rent-to-own)
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A Comprehensive Residential Lease Agreement may also include information about the following:
Utilities and Upkeep
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Who will pay for electric, water, gas, garbage, cable TV/Wi-Fi, lawn care, etc.
Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs to the property
Policies and Permissions
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Alterations to the property such as hanging pictures, painting walls, gardening, outdoor décor, etc.
Pet policies
Rules for use of common areas: pool, clubhouse, fitness center, etc.
Storage areas
Guest policies
Parking instructions
Noise policy
Any fines related to breaking policies/rules
Access
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Number of keys given to Tenant and fees for lost/additional keys
Landlord’s right to entry with advance notice
Finalizing the Rental Lease Agreement
PRINT— print 2 copies of the Rental Agreement form.
SIGN— both parties sign both copies of the contract
SAVE— give a signed copy of the Rental Contract to the Landlord and a signed copy to the Tenant.
You may also create a PDF file to e-mail for electronic signature. Be sure to save and send the signed version of the Rental Contract.
What is a security deposit?
A security deposit (also known as a damage deposit), is money paid by the Tenant to the Landlord to ensure/secure that the Tenant will meet the responsibilities and conditions of the Rental Agreement, such as pay rent on time and not damage the property. Deposits are usually paid at lease-signing, but a Landlord may allow the Tenant to make payment installments toward the security deposit amount—all of which should be stipulated in the Rental Agreement. When the Lease is over, the Landlord has the right to deduct monies from the security deposit if the Tenant owes for unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear. The Landlord then returns the balance of the deposit to the Tenant.
How Much Can a Landlord Charge for a Security Deposit?
Generally, the security deposit amount can be from 1 to 2 months’ rent. In some cases, there may be additional deposits required, such as a pet deposit. It’s important that the Lease Contract clearly specifies the amounts and terms of all deposits. In some jurisdictions, there may be a limit on the amount that can be charged for a security deposit.
What Does the Term “First/Last/Security” Mean in a Lease Contract?
This term is often used for the total amount of move-in money required. It refers to the amounts of the first month’s rent, plus the last month’s rent, plus an amount for a security deposit.
What Happens When the Lease Contract Ends?
At the end of the Rental Contract, unless stated and signed otherwise, the Tenant may continue to rent the property, but both Landlord and Tenant are exposed. An expired Lease has no legal standing and cannot be enforced. Depending on jurisdiction, when a 1-year Rental Contract expires, it automatically becomes a month-to-month Lease or similarly, it may become an “at-will” arrangement in which the rental relationship lasts only as long as both parties want it to.
What If a Tenant Wants to End the Lease Contract Early?
If the Tenant terminates the Lease early, the Tenant is still responsible for the total amount of rent due through the end-date of the Lease Contract. If allowed by the Rental Lease Agreement, a Tenant may be able to sub-lease the rental to another person(s) who will pay the rent or a portion thereof, directly to the Tenant, who then continues to make rent payments to the Landlord in accordance with the Lease Agreement. If the property can be re-rented to someone else before the end of the Lease, it is possible the former Tenant will not have to continue making rent payments, because a Landlord cannot collect double rent for a single property.
What is an Option to Purchase in a Residential Lease Agreement?
An option to purchase arrangement (also known as rent-to-own), may be considered when the Landlord wants to sell the property, yet the Tenant cannot qualify for a mortgage loan. For example, the Tenant is unable to come up with a large down payment and/or has a low credit score. An option to purchase gives a Tenant a way to purchase the rental property. Typically, the Tenant pays an option fee at the beginning of the Lease for the exclusive right to purchase the property for a set price within a certain period of time. The option fee is non-refundable. If the Tenant purchases the property, the option fee paid is used towards the purchase price of the property. If the Tenant does not purchase the property, the Landlord can keep the option fee.
Our website will help you create a Residential Lease. We offer free on-line samples and a Lease Agreement template to make the process that much faster. Simply fill in the form above to create a Lease Contract.
Sample
Rental Lease Agreement
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