Lease Agreement
Lease Agreement Template — Professional Rental Contracts in Minutes
Create a comprehensive residential or commercial lease agreement tailored to your property. Cover rent, deposits, maintenance, and tenant rights — all in one document.
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What is a Lease Agreement?
A lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that establishes the terms of renting a property. It defines the rental period, monthly payment, security deposit, rules for the property, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
A well-drafted lease protects landlords from unpaid rent, property damage, and difficult evictions. It protects tenants from arbitrary rent increases, illegal lockouts, and surprise deductions from security deposits. Both parties benefit from clarity upfront.
Lease laws vary significantly by jurisdiction — what's standard in California may be illegal in Texas, and vice versa. contract.diy generates agreements that reflect both the specifics of your property arrangement and the applicable legal requirements for your location.
Key clauses included
Every Lease Agreement includes all the provisions that matter.
- Rent amount, due date, and accepted payment methods
- Security deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and return timeline
- Lease term — start date, end date, and renewal options
- Maintenance responsibilities — what landlord covers vs. tenant
- Occupancy limits and guest policy
- Pet policy and associated deposits or fees
- Early termination conditions and notice requirements
- Property condition and move-in/move-out inspection process
How it works
From blank page to signed contract — in minutes, not days.
Describe your situation
Tell us about the parties involved, what needs to be protected or agreed upon, and any specific requirements for your Lease Agreement.
Your contract is drafted
A complete, jurisdiction-aware contract with all the right clauses — generated in seconds. Review and edit anything inline.
Download and sign
Export as a polished PDF or Word document. Share it for signature or use your preferred e-signature tool.
Frequently asked questions
- What's the difference between a lease and a rental agreement?
- A lease typically runs for a fixed term (commonly 12 months) and cannot be changed by either party during that period. A rental agreement (month-to-month) renews automatically each month and can be modified with proper notice. Leases provide more stability for both parties; rental agreements offer more flexibility. contract.diy generates both types.
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit?
- Security deposit limits are set by state and local law. Many states cap deposits at 1–2 months' rent. Some cities have stricter rules. contract.diy incorporates applicable jurisdiction limits based on the property location you provide. Charging more than the legal maximum can result in penalties for landlords.
- What happens if a tenant wants to break the lease early?
- Your lease should include an early termination clause that specifies notice requirements and any fees (typically 1–2 months' rent). Some jurisdictions limit what landlords can charge for early termination. In many places, landlords also have a legal duty to mitigate damages by attempting to re-rent the unit. Our contracts address all of these scenarios.
- Can I add custom rules to my lease agreement?
- Yes — you can include house rules for noise, smoking, alterations to the property, parking, and more. However, any clause that violates local tenant protection law is unenforceable even if both parties sign it. contract.diy helps you include enforceable custom provisions appropriate to your jurisdiction.
- Do I need a lawyer for a residential lease?
- For standard residential leases, a well-drafted template is typically sufficient. For complex commercial leases, multi-unit properties, or situations involving unique legal issues (subletting, Section 8, rent control), consulting a local real estate attorney is advisable. Our generated leases are designed to be solid starting points for most residential situations.
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