How much can landlords charge for a security deposit?

Security deposit limits vary significantly by jurisdiction. Some states cap deposits at one month's rent, others at two months, and some have no statutory limit. Many jurisdictions also require deposits to be held in separate interest-bearing accounts and returned within 14–30 days of move-out with an itemized statement of deductions.

What required disclosures must residential leases include?

Required disclosures vary by jurisdiction but commonly include: lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 buildings in the US), mold disclosure, bed bug history, registered sex offender database notice, flood zone information, and the name and address of the property owner or management company. Failure to include required disclosures can void portions of the lease.

Can landlords prohibit pets in residential leases?

Generally, landlords can prohibit pets or set pet policies (size limits, breed restrictions, pet deposits). However, service animals and emotional support animals are protected under fair housing laws and cannot be restricted by pet policies. Landlords also cannot charge pet deposits for service animals in most jurisdictions.

Lease Agreement

Lease Agreement for Residential Properties

Create a residential lease agreement covering rent, security deposits, and tenant rights. Jurisdiction-aware templates compliant with local landlord-tenant law.

Create your lease agreement

Free to start · Professional results

Residential leases are the most regulated type of rental agreement. Every jurisdiction has specific landlord-tenant laws governing security deposits, habitability standards, eviction procedures, and tenant rights. A lease that works in Texas may violate tenant protection laws in California or New York.

A strong residential lease protects landlords from property damage and non-payment while respecting tenant rights established by law. It covers rent payment, security deposits, maintenance responsibilities, guest policies, pet rules, and the procedures for lease violations and termination.

contract.diy generates residential lease agreements that are calibrated to your jurisdiction's specific landlord-tenant laws — including security deposit limits, required disclosures, notice periods, and habitability requirements that vary significantly between states and countries.

What's included

Key provisions tailored for residential properties — not generic boilerplate.

Rent and payment terms

Specifies monthly rent, due date, grace period, accepted payment methods, and late fee amounts compliant with local limits.

Security deposit provisions

Covers deposit amount (within jurisdictional limits), holding requirements, permitted deductions, and return timeline.

Maintenance and habitability

Defines landlord and tenant maintenance responsibilities and establishes the implied warranty of habitability.

Lease termination and renewal

Establishes notice periods, renewal terms, early termination penalties, and holdover tenancy provisions.

When you need this contract

When renting a house, apartment, condo, or duplex to a tenant
Before renewing an existing residential lease with updated terms
When adding a roommate or co-tenant to an existing lease
Before renting a furnished property or owner-occupied unit

Create your lease agreement

Why professionals choose contract.diy

Industry-specific

Every clause is tailored for residential properties — not a generic template you have to adapt yourself.

Jurisdiction-aware

Contracts comply with your local laws and regulations. Choose your jurisdiction and get the right provisions.

Ready in minutes

Answer a few questions about your situation and get a professionally drafted contract you can review, edit, and export.

Frequently asked questions

How much can landlords charge for a security deposit?: Security deposit limits vary significantly by jurisdiction. Some states cap deposits at one month's rent, others at two months, and some have no statutory limit. Many jurisdictions also require deposits to be held in separate interest-bearing accounts and returned within 14–30 days of move-out with an itemized statement of deductions.
What required disclosures must residential leases include?: Required disclosures vary by jurisdiction but commonly include: lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 buildings in the US), mold disclosure, bed bug history, registered sex offender database notice, flood zone information, and the name and address of the property owner or management company. Failure to include required disclosures can void portions of the lease.
Can landlords prohibit pets in residential leases?: Generally, landlords can prohibit pets or set pet policies (size limits, breed restrictions, pet deposits). However, service animals and emotional support animals are protected under fair housing laws and cannot be restricted by pet policies. Landlords also cannot charge pet deposits for service animals in most jurisdictions.

Related contracts

Lease Agreement

Lease Agreement for Commercial Properties

Create a commercial lease agreement covering rent, CAM charges, build-out, and use restrictions. Jurisdiction-aware templates ready in minutes.

Lease Agreement

Lease Agreement for Short-Term Rentals

Create a short-term rental agreement covering house rules, damage deposits, and check-in/out. Jurisdiction-aware templates for vacation rentals.

All industries

Lease Agreement Overview

Learn more about lease agreements and explore all available templates.

Industry templates

All contracts for this industry

Explore all contract templates available for this industry.

Ready to create your contract?

Answer a few questions about your situation and get a professionally drafted lease agreement built for residential properties.

Get started free

No credit card required

contract.diy is a document preparation service, not a law firm. Generated contracts are templates for informational purposes and do not constitute legal advice. We recommend having any contract reviewed by a qualified attorney before signing.