The essentials
- Parties and property: every adult occupant named; full address including unit.
- Term: fixed term or month-to-month.
- Rent: amount, due date, how to pay, late fee.
- Security deposit: amount and return terms (many states cap deposits and set return deadlines).
- Utilities: who pays which.
Clauses landlords often forget
- Occupancy limits: who may live there.
- Guests: how long before a guest is a tenant.
- Subletting: allowed only with written consent. See the sublease agreement.
- Entry notice, usually 24-48 hours except emergencies.
- Repairs: how to request them and who pays for tenant-caused damage.
- Pets: allowed or not, plus any pet deposit.
- Renewal and move-out notice.
- Smoking.
- Parking and storage.
- Attorney fees for disputes (where allowed).
Required disclosures
Depending on the property and state: lead-based paint (homes built before 1978, federal), mold, bed bugs, flood zones, and the name of the property manager. Check your state’s landlord-tenant handbook.
Start with a template
Our residential lease and month-to-month rental agreement cover the essentials. Add a late rent notice when you need it.
