A residential lease agreement is a written contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets the rules of the tenancy: who lives in the home, how much rent is due, when the lease starts and ends, and what happens to the security deposit.
Our template asks you a short series of questions and assembles a clean, ready-to-sign lease. You download it as an editable Word file and a print-ready PDF, so you can make final adjustments before both parties sign.
What this lease agreement covers
The generated lease includes the essential clauses used in standard residential tenancies across the United States:
- Identification of the landlord, the tenant, and the rental property
- Fixed-term or month-to-month tenancy, with start and end dates
- Monthly rent, due date, and an optional late fee
- Security deposit amount, held and returned under state law
- Pet and smoking policies, plus utilities included in the rent
- Maintenance duties, landlord access, and governing law
Fixed term or month to month?
A fixed-term lease locks in the rent and the tenancy for a set period, usually one year. Neither party can walk away early without consequences, which gives both sides stability. A month-to-month agreement automatically renews each month and can be ended by either party with proper written notice, which offers flexibility at the cost of predictability.
| Fixed term | Month to month | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Set start and end dates | Renews every month |
| Rent changes | Locked during the term | Possible with notice |
| Ending the tenancy | At the end date | With written notice |
| Best for | Stability | Flexibility |
State rules to check before signing
Landlord-tenant law is state law. Before signing, check your state's rules on security deposit caps and return deadlines, late fee limits, required disclosures (such as lead-based paint for homes built before 1978), and the notice a landlord must give before entering the property.
This is a self-help template
This template produces a general-purpose residential lease. It is not legal advice and may not reflect every requirement of your state or city, such as rent control ordinances or mandatory local addenda. For unusual situations, have a local attorney review your lease.
Frequently asked questions
Is this lease agreement legally binding?
Yes. A written lease signed by both the landlord and the tenant is a binding contract in every state. Make sure both parties sign and date the document and each keep a copy.
Does the lease need to be notarized?
In most states, a standard residential lease does not need to be notarized: the signatures of the landlord and tenant are enough. A few states require notarization for long-term leases (often longer than one year), so check your state's rules.
Can I edit the lease after downloading it?
Yes. You receive an editable Word file along with the PDF, so you can adjust clauses, add addenda, or fix details before printing and signing.
How much can I charge as a security deposit?
It depends on your state. Many states cap the deposit at one or two months of rent and set a deadline for returning it after move-out, often 14 to 30 days. Check your state's landlord-tenant statute before setting the amount.
What disclosures do I need to attach?
Federal law requires a lead-based paint disclosure for homes built before 1978. Many states add their own required disclosures, such as mold, bed bugs, or flood zones. Attach the disclosures your state requires before signing.