Residential Lease AgreementHome & Personal
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Residential Lease Agreement

This Residential Lease Agreement (“Lease”) is made between the Landlord and the Tenant(s) named below. The Landlord agrees to rent to the Tenant, and the Tenant agrees to rent from the Landlord, the property described below on the following terms.

1. Parties

Landlord
Address for Notices
Landlord PhoneLandlord Email
Tenant(s)
Tenant PhoneTenant Email
Other Occupants

2. Property

Property Address
Property Type
Included Items
ParkingStorage
Keys ProvidedOther Keys / Fobs

3. Lease Term

Lease Type
Start DateEnd Date
After Fixed Term
Notice to End

4. Rent, Fees & Deposit

Monthly RentDue Day of Month
How to Pay
Grace PeriodLate Fee
Bounced Check FeeProrated Rent
Security DepositPet Deposit / Fee
Due at Move-In

5. Utilities & Services

ElectricityGas / Heating Oil
Water / SewerTrash / Recycling
Internet / CableLawn / Snow

6. Pets & Smoking

Pets
Smoking / Vaping

7. Terms and Conditions

Use of Property
The property will be used only as a private residence by the Tenant and the occupants listed above. Guests staying longer than _____ consecutive days require the Landlord’s written consent.
Security Deposit
The Landlord will hold the security deposit as required by state law. After the Tenant moves out and returns the keys, the Landlord will return the deposit, less any lawful deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond normal wear and tear, with an itemized statement within the time required by state law.
Condition of Property
The Tenant has inspected the property and accepts it in its current condition, except as noted on a move-in checklist signed by both parties. At the end of the Lease, the Tenant will return the property clean and in the same condition, except for normal wear and tear.
Maintenance and Repairs
The Tenant will keep the property clean and safe, promptly report any needed repairs in writing, and pay for damage caused by the Tenant or guests. The Landlord will make repairs needed to keep the property safe and habitable as required by law.
Alterations
The Tenant will not paint, make alterations, install fixtures or change or add locks without the Landlord’s prior written consent.
Landlord’s Entry
The Landlord may enter the property to inspect, make repairs or show it to prospective tenants or buyers after giving reasonable advance notice as required by state law, except in an emergency.
Subletting and Assignment
The Tenant will not sublet the property or assign this Lease without the Landlord’s prior written consent.
Rules and Laws
The Tenant, occupants and guests will comply with all applicable laws and any building or HOA rules, and will not disturb neighbors or use the property for any illegal purpose. The Landlord’s insurance does not cover the Tenant’s belongings; renter’s insurance is recommended.
Default
If the Tenant fails to pay rent when due or breaks any term of this Lease, the Landlord may pursue any remedy allowed by law, including ending the tenancy after giving the notice required by state law.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
If the property was built before 1978, the Landlord must give the Tenant the federal lead-based paint disclosure form and the EPA pamphlet “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home” before the Lease is signed.
Entire Agreement
This Lease, together with any signed addenda, is the entire agreement between the parties. Any change must be in writing and signed by both parties. If any part of this Lease is found invalid, the rest remains in effect. This Lease is governed by the laws of the state where the property is located.

8. Additional Terms & Addenda

By signing below, the parties agree to all terms of this Lease. Each adult tenant should sign and keep a copy.

Landlord / Agent
Signature
Name
Date
Tenant
Signature
Name
Date
Co-Tenant
Signature
Name
Date

※ This template is for general information only and is not legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws vary by state and city — check local rules on security deposits, late fees, notice periods, entry and required disclosures before signing.

How to fill out a Residential Lease Agreement

Residential Lease Agreement template preview
Free Residential Lease Agreement template

A residential lease agreement is a written contract in which a landlord rents a home or apartment to a tenant for a set term and rent. This template covers the parties, property, lease term, rent and fees, security deposit, utilities, pets and the standard terms most landlords use.

How to fill it out

  1. Enter the landlord’s and every adult tenant’s full legal name and contact details, plus anyone else who will live in the unit.
  2. Describe the property: full address with unit number, the appliances and furnishings included, parking, storage and keys.
  3. Choose a fixed term or month-to-month, enter the start and end dates and the notice needed to end the lease.
  4. Fill in monthly rent, due date, how to pay, grace period, late fee and security deposit, after checking your state’s limits.
  5. Mark who pays each utility, set the pet and smoking rules, and add any extra terms or addenda.
  6. Both parties review every page, sign and date, and each keeps a signed copy.

Tips

  • Security deposit caps, late-fee limits, notice periods and landlord entry rules vary by state and even by city — check local law before filling in numbers.
  • For homes built before 1978, federal law requires a lead-based paint disclosure and the EPA pamphlet before signing.
  • Do a move-in walk-through with photos and a checklist signed by both sides; it prevents most deposit disputes.
  • Every adult who lives in the unit should sign so each is responsible for the rent.
  • This template is general information, not legal advice; for complex situations talk to a local attorney or tenant/landlord association.

Residential Lease Agreement example

1. Parties

Landlord
Robert Miller
Address for Notices
450 Oak Ave, Springfield, IL 62704
Landlord Phone
(555) 987-6543
Landlord Email
[email protected]
Tenant(s)
Jane Smith
Tenant Phone
(555) 123-4567
Tenant Email
[email protected]
Other Occupants
None

2. Property

Property Address
123 Main St, Apt 2B, Springfield, IL 62701
Property Type
Apartment
Included Items
Refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, window blinds
Parking
One assigned space (#14)
Storage
Basement storage locker #2B
Keys Provided
2 unit keys
Other Keys / Fobs
1 mailbox key, 1 building fob

3. Lease Term

Lease Type
Fixed term
Start Date
November 1, 2026
End Date
October 31, 2027
After Fixed Term
Continues month-to-month
Notice to End
30 days’ written notice

4. Rent, Fees & Deposit

Monthly Rent
$1,250.00
Due Day of Month
1st of each month
How to Pay
Online portal or check payable to Robert Miller
Grace Period
5 days
Late Fee
$50.00
Bounced Check Fee
$25.00
Prorated Rent
None (lease starts on the 1st)
Security Deposit
$1,250.00
Pet Deposit / Fee
N/A
Due at Move-In
$2,500.00 (first month’s rent + security deposit)

5. Utilities & Services

Electricity
Tenant
Gas / Heating Oil
Tenant
Water / Sewer
Landlord
Trash / Recycling
Landlord
Internet / Cable
Tenant
Lawn / Snow
Landlord

6. Pets & Smoking

Pets
Not allowed
Smoking / Vaping
Not allowed anywhere on the property

8. Additional Terms & Addenda

1. Move-in condition checklist signed by both parties on November 1, 2026 is attached.
2. Tenant may hang pictures with small nails; no adhesive hooks on painted walls.
3. Building quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

Landlord / Agent

Name
Robert Miller
Date
October 13, 2026

Tenant

Name
Jane Smith
Date
October 13, 2026

All names, companies and contact details are fictional. Click “Fill sample” above to put this example into the empty fields; click again to remove the parts you did not change.

FAQ

Is a printed lease agreement legally binding?

Generally yes, if both parties sign it and its terms comply with your state’s landlord-tenant law. Terms that conflict with state or local law usually cannot be enforced, so check local rules before signing.

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?

It depends on the state. Some states cap deposits at one or two months’ rent and others set no limit. The template leaves the amount blank so you can enter what your state allows.

What is the difference between a fixed-term lease and month-to-month?

A fixed-term lease runs for a set period, often 12 months, and neither side can usually end it early without cause. A month-to-month tenancy renews every month and can be ended with the written notice your state requires.

Related templates

More Home & Personal templates: Lease Termination Letter · Landlord Reference Letter · Roommate Agreement · Sublease Agreement · Pet Addendum to Lease · Babysitting Contract · Field Trip Permission Slip · Medical Consent Form for Minor · Rental Application · Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Checklist · Late Rent Notice · Rent Increase Notice · Notice to Vacate

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