How to Write a Landlord-Tenant Lease Agreement [5+ Examples]

There needs to be a clear definition and explanations of the different terms and conditions in order to establish and maintain a harmonious relationship between a landlord and tenant. A landlord-tenant lease agreement templates are drafted and negotiated in order to have a clear and comprehensive presentation of the facts about the tenancy. The lease agreement states the fixed term and conditions relating to the tenancy such as the rent, rules regarding pets, duration of the agreement, etc. Both parties affix their signature on the document to indicate their agreement with all that has been stated.

How to Write a Landlord-Tenant Lease Agreement

Here is a quick and easy guide that you can refer to when writing a landlord-tenant lease agreement:

1. Spell out involved parties and property

Clearly state your name as the owner or landlord along with the property address and your mailing address in the lease agreement. Also, include the legal name of the tenant along with the complete names of his or her roommate/s or family members. If you wish to limit the occupancy on the property, meaning not allow anyone not stated in the document to live in the property for an extended period of time, do so by clearly stating that and the allowed number of days an outsider can only stay.

2. Write tenancy terms

In California, it is common for a lease to typically start with 12 months. But if that is not the case in the state where you live, make sure that you state that in the agreement. The tenancy terms state how long the tenants have an agreement with you as the landlord of the property.

3. Define rent consideration

It is important to define the rent in the lease agreement to ensure there is no misunderstanding and miscommunication between both parties involved. State the amount of rent, the date when it is due, and if there are late fees and when do they start. It is also important to include the acceptable mode of payment such as cash, money order, or check.

4. Indicate the security deposit

Including a security deposit agreement means that you will be needing initial payment from the tenant before he or she can move in. The security deposit can be used for potential damages and payment for cleaning services after the tenant moves out. In California, it is required to itemize the things the security deposit will be used for in the lease agreement.

5. Include any necessary restrictions

If there are things a tenant isn’t allowed to do—e.g., bring pets, have visitors, smoking and drinking within the property, etc.—it should be clearly stated in the document. Necessary restrictions should be stated along with a statement requiring tenants to follow the law. Consequences for any violations such as lease termination should also be included.

6. Include disclosures

California law requires landlords to disclose any risks that tenants may encounter in the property such as the potential of lead-based paint, mold, and other hazards. You should also advise them to check on child predator and other criminal databases to ensure they carry out due diligence in protecting their own family.

7. Explain lease termination and remedies

If tenants wish to terminate their lease before the term expires, make sure that there is a clear statement about under what circumstances they can do so. In addition, you should also include any fees or penalties that the tenant has to pay when he or she decides to terminate the lease earlier than what is stated on the agreement. In case of dispute and other issues, state all the possible remedies clearly.

8. Signatures

After all the terms, conditions, clauses, etc. have been included in the lease agreement, it is important that the adult parties involved affix their signatures. For distribution, you should keep the original copy and give a copy to the tenant.

Landlord-Tenant Lease Agreement Templates and Examples

1. Landlord-Tenant Apartment Lease Agreement

This apartment lease agreement template is the perfect template to use when a tenant decides to lease your apartment. It states all the considerations you might have regarding the rent payment, restrictions, lease term, and so on. Should you need to specify other details, this template is also easily editable. Download this template and edit on Google Docs, MS Word, and Apple Pages.

2. Landlord and Tenant Month-to-Month Lease Agreement

A month-to-month lease is a periodic tenancy; the lease is automatically renewed after each month for another month. It usually allows the tenant and the landlord to alter or terminate the lease after giving notice of at least 30 days. If you are looking for a template that will allow you to state the complete details regarding the lease, you can download this month-to-month lease agreement template. You can easily edit this template to ensure that actual details about the tenancy can be included.

3. Landlord and Tenant Short-Term Lease Agreement

In the real estate industry, when you say short-term lease it usually means that the duration is less than six months. If that is the case with your rental property, you can use this short-term lease agreement template as an outline on what you need to provide in order to establish a clear understanding of the lease. All you need to do is download this template and customize the details to incorporate your own. This is editable in Google Docs, MS Word, and Apple Pages.

4. Landlord-Tenant House Lease Agreement

Any property can be rented out—a card, equipment, apartment, and even your own house. If you are planning to rent out your house, you should draft an agreement that will state the terms and conditions you want the tenant to adhere to. The landlord-tenant lease agreement should state the specific amount to be paid, payment schedule, property maintenance, and so on. To get a head start, you can download this house lease agreement template to serve as your guide and basis.

5. Landlord and Tenant Residential Lease Agreement

Residential property can also be available for lease should you want it to be. However, you need to make sure that your property is diligently maintained while someone is leasing it. Thus, you should have a detailed residential lease agreement that will clearly state the terms and conditions the tenant needs to follow. This residential lease agreement example is perfect to use as a guide on how you can clearly and effectively draft an agreement that is beneficial to both parties.

6. Landlord and Tenant Commercial Lease Agreement

When people want to lease out a property for commercial use, e.g., office space, there should be an agreement that states and explains specific regulations both parties have to follow. There should be a detailed explanation of each consideration, term, condition, etc. Looking at this commercial lease agreement, it has a thorough rundown of all the premises relevant and essential to the lease.