What is a Rental Agreement?

Comprehensive rental agreement template covering property details, rent payments, security deposits, maintenance responsibilities, and lease terms. Suitable for residential and commercial rentals with customizable clauses for landlord and tenant obligations.

What should a Rental Agreement include?

Property Description, Rent and Payment Terms, Security Deposit, Lease Duration and Renewal, Maintenance and Repairs, Termination and Eviction.

When do I need a Rental Agreement?

Renting out a residential property such as a house, apartment, or condo. Leasing commercial space for retail, office, or industrial use. Establishing clear terms between landlord and tenant before move-in. Protecting both parties with documented rights and responsibilities. Creating a legally binding agreement for short-term or long-term rentals.

RESIDENTIAL RENTAL AGREEMENT

This Rental Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into as of [Date], by and between:

Landlord: [Landlord Full Name] Address: [Landlord Address]

Tenant: [Tenant Full Name] Address: [Tenant Current Address]

1. PROPERTY

The Landlord hereby leases to the Tenant the residential property located at:

[Property Address, City, State, ZIP Code]

(the "Premises"), including all furnishings and appliances provided by the Landlord as listed in Exhibit A attached hereto.

2. TERM

The lease term shall begin on [Start Date] and end on [End Date] ("Initial Term"). Upon expiration of the Initial Term, this Agreement shall automatically renew on a month-to-month basis unless either party provides at least [30/60] days' written notice of termination.

3. RENT

3.1 Monthly Rent

The Tenant agrees to pay the Landlord a monthly rent of $[Amount] ("Rent"), due on the [1st] day of each calendar month.

3.2 Payment Method

Rent shall be paid via [check / bank transfer / online payment] to:

Account/Address: [Payment Details]

3.3 Late Payment

If Rent is not received by the [5th] day of the month, a late fee of $[Amount] shall be assessed. An additional $[Amount] per day may be charged for each subsequent day the payment remains outstanding, up to a maximum of $[Amount].

3.4 Returned Payments

A fee of $[Amount] will be charged for any returned check or failed electronic payment.

4. SECURITY DEPOSIT

4.1 Amount

Upon execution of this Agreement, the Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[Amount] ("Security Deposit").

4.2 Purpose

The Security Deposit may be used by the Landlord for:

Unpaid rent or late fees
Repair of damages beyond normal wear and tear
Cleaning costs to restore the Premises to its original condition
Any other amounts owed under this Agreement

4.3 Return

The Security Deposit, less any lawful deductions, shall be returned to the Tenant within [14/30] days after the termination of this Agreement and surrender of the Premises. An itemized statement of deductions shall accompany any partial return.

5. USE OF PREMISES

5.1 Residential Use

The Premises shall be used solely for residential purposes and shall be occupied only by:

[Tenant Name(s)]
[Additional Occupant Name(s)]

5.2 Prohibited Activities

The Tenant shall not:

Use the Premises for any unlawful purpose
Conduct any business or commercial activity without prior written consent
Create or permit any nuisance or disturbance
Store hazardous materials on the Premises

6. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

6.1 Landlord Responsibilities

The Landlord shall maintain the structural components of the Premises, including:

Roof, exterior walls, and foundation
Plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems
Common areas (if applicable)
Compliance with all applicable building and housing codes

6.2 Tenant Responsibilities

The Tenant shall:

Keep the Premises in a clean and habitable condition
Promptly report any maintenance issues or needed repairs
Not make any alterations without prior written consent from the Landlord
Be responsible for repairs necessitated by the Tenant's negligence or misuse
Maintain smoke detectors and replace batteries as needed

6.3 Emergency Repairs

In the event of an emergency that threatens health, safety, or property, the Tenant may authorize repairs up to $[Amount] and deduct the cost from Rent, provided the Landlord is notified as soon as practicable.

7. UTILITIES

The following utilities shall be the responsibility of:

Utility	Landlord	Tenant
Electricity	[ ]	[ ]
Gas	[ ]	[ ]
Water/Sewer	[ ]	[ ]
Trash	[ ]	[ ]
Internet	[ ]	[ ]
Cable/TV	[ ]	[ ]

8. PETS

No pets are allowed on the Premises.
Pets are allowed with prior written approval and subject to a pet deposit of $[Amount] and monthly pet rent of $[Amount]. Approved pets: [Description].

9. ENTRY BY LANDLORD

The Landlord or their agents may enter the Premises with at least [24/48] hours' written notice for the following purposes:

Routine inspections
Repairs and maintenance
Showing the Premises to prospective tenants or buyers
Emergency situations (no notice required)

10. INSURANCE

10.1 Renter's Insurance

The Tenant is [required / encouraged] to obtain renter's insurance covering personal property and liability, with a minimum coverage of $[Amount].

10.2 Landlord's Insurance

The Landlord shall maintain property insurance covering the structure and common areas. This insurance does not cover the Tenant's personal property.

11. TERMINATION AND DEFAULT

11.1 Termination by Tenant

The Tenant may terminate this Agreement by providing [30/60] days' written notice prior to the end of the current term.

11.2 Termination by Landlord

The Landlord may terminate this Agreement for cause, including but not limited to:

Non-payment of Rent (after [3/5]-day notice to pay or quit)
Material breach of this Agreement (after [10/30]-day notice to cure)
Illegal activity on the Premises

11.3 Early Termination

If the Tenant terminates prior to the end of the lease term, the Tenant shall pay an early termination fee of $[Amount] or [Number] months' rent, whichever is less.

12. MOVE-OUT PROCEDURES

Upon termination of this Agreement, the Tenant shall:

Remove all personal belongings and trash
Clean the Premises thoroughly
Return all keys, access cards, and garage door openers
Provide a forwarding address for Security Deposit return
Allow a move-out inspection with the Landlord

13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Any disputes arising from this Agreement shall be resolved through:

Negotiation between the parties in good faith
Mediation by a mutually agreed-upon mediator
Arbitration or litigation in the courts of [County, State]

14. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of [State].

15. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements. Any modifications must be in writing and signed by both parties.

SIGNATURES

Landlord:

Signature: _________________________ Date: _____________

Printed Name: _________________________

Tenant: