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Residential Lease Agreement

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Residential Lease Agreement

STATE-WIDE MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE, INC. · Rev. December 2012

1. PARTIES:

This Residential Lease Agreement (“Lease”) is made and entered into by:

Landlord #1: Name: Phone #:

Address: City: State: Zip Code:

Landlord #2: Name: Phone #:

Address: City: State: Zip Code:

Landlord #3: Name: Phone #:

Address: City: State: Zip Code:

The above Landlords shall be referred to collectively as “Landlord”.

Tenant #1: Name: Phone #:

Address: City: State: Zip Code:

Tenant #2: Name: Phone #:

Address: City: State: Zip Code:

Tenant #3: Name: Phone #:

Address: City: State: Zip Code:

The above Tenants shall be referred to collectively as “Tenant”.

2. DATE:

The date of this Lease shall be the later of: (a) the date on which Tenant signs this Lease, or (b) the date on which Landlord signs this Lease.

3. DESCRIPTION OF LEASED PREMISES:

Landlord and Tenant agree to lease upon the rental and terms below, the following property and improvements (“Premises”) that is owned by Landlord.

Unit # (if applicable) Address: City: State: Zip Code:

4. TERM OF LEASE:

Landlord and Tenant agree that the term of Lease is months and shall start on and expire on 11:59 PM on

6. RENT:

(a) Tenant agrees to pay, in advance and without demand, rent in the amount of $ on or before the day of each month throughout the term of this Lease.

(b) Rent checks shall be made payable to: and delivered to the following address:

Street: City: State: Zip Code:

(c) Tenant agrees to pay a reasonable late fee in the amount of $ per day if rent is not paid within days after the due date.

(d) If Tenant’s check is returned for insufficient funds, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for Landlord’s bank fees within days of demand by Landlord.

7. DEPOSITS:

Tenant agrees to deliver to Landlord a security deposit in the amount of $

8. APPLIANCES:

Landlord agrees to provide the following appliances to Tenant with the rental of Premises: a stove, a refrigerator, and

9. CONDITION OF PREMISES:

Tenant agrees that Tenant has examined the Premises, and they are in a safe, clean and tenantable condition at the time of execution of Lease.

The condition of Premises shall be deemed to be in good condition at the start of the Term of Lease unless Tenant delivers a written statement describing any problems or defects with Premises to Landlord within days after the Term of Lease begins.

10. UTILITIES:

Tenant and Landlord agree to arrange and pay for utilities for Premises as follows:

Heat: Tenant Landlord Water: Tenant Landlord Hot Water: Tenant Landlord

Sewer: Tenant Landlord Electricity: Tenant Landlord

Telephone: Tenant Landlord Cable/Satellite: Tenant Landlord

Internet: Tenant Landlord Snow and ice removal: Tenant Landlord

Lawn Mowing: Tenant Landlord Trash fees: Tenant Landlord

Additional Provisions:

11. TRASH DISPOSAL:

Tenant agrees to dispose regularly of all trash and garbage in containers that are provided by:

Tenant Landlord

12. OCCUPANTS AND GUESTS:

(a) In addition to Tenants, the following authorized occupants may use and occupy the Premises:

14. USE OF PREMISES:

(k) Other:

18. PARKING:

Landlord authorizes Tenant to park properly registered, working motor vehicles with access to off-street parking spaces, which are located on Premises.

Tenant shall have the following designated spot(s) (if applicable.)

21. LEAD:

Tenant agrees to deliver notice of deteriorating lead paint or lead to the following:

Name: Mailing Address: City:

Zip Code: Email: Fax: Phone #:

28. TENANT’S HOLD OVER:

If Tenant and any occupants remain in possession of the Premises with the consent of Landlord after the expiration date of Lease, a new tenancy from month-to-month shall be created between Landlord and Tenant which shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions hereof except that rent shall then be due and owing at $ per month and except that such tenancy shall be terminable upon 30 days written notice served by either party.

31. SECURITY DEPOSIT:

(a) Security deposit return period: twenty (20) days after the later of termination, delivery of possession, or forwarding address.

36. NOTICES:

(a) Any notice required or permitted under Lease or state law shall be delivered to Tenant at the address of the Premises, and to Landlord at the following address.

Landlord: Mailing Address:

City/State: Zip Code:

Email: Fax:

37. RECEIPT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FORMS:

Tenant acknowledges that Tenant has received the following forms (unless exempted by law). (Tenant(s): Initial all that apply)

Mandatory Real Estate Relationship Disclosure

Landlord’s Lead Disclosure which is incorporated in this Lease by reference

Pamphlet “Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home” brochure that includes R.I. section “What You Should Know About the RI Lead Law”

Fact Sheet “Tenant Rights and Responsibilities” (RI Housing Resources Commission/R.I. Department of Health)

44. ADDENDA AND EXHIBITS:

The following Addendum/Addenda and Exhibit(s) are made a part of this Lease:

45. ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS:

NOTICE: THIS IS A LEGAL DOCUMENT THAT CREATES BINDING OBLIGATIONS. IF NOT UNDERSTOOD, CONSULT AN ATTORNEY.

Tenant’s Signature

Printed Name

Date

Tenant’s Signature

Printed Name

Date

Tenant’s Signature

Printed Name

Date

Landlord’s Signature

Printed Name

Date

Landlord’s Signature

Printed Name

Date

Landlord’s Signature

Printed Name

Date

Enter text✕

What a Residential Lease Agreement Covers

A Residential Lease Agreement is a written contract between a landlord and tenant that sets the terms for occupying a dwelling. It identifies parties, describes the rental property, specifies the lease term, rent amount and payment schedule, details security deposit handling, and allocates maintenance and repair responsibilities. The agreement creates enforceable obligations and remedies for breach, and can include attachments such as move-in checklists, pet addenda, and lead-paint disclosures to meet statutory requirements.

Why a Clear Lease Agreement Matters

A well-drafted lease reduces disputes by clarifying rent, term, repairs, and entry rights; it preserves remedies for nonpayment or damage and documents agreed exceptions. Clear language helps both parties understand obligations and supports enforceability in court or eviction proceedings under applicable state law.

Why a Clear Lease Agreement Matters

Who Typically Prepares and Signs Leases

Landlords, property managers, tenants, and agents commonly complete residential leases; attorneys and housing counselors may assist for complex situations.

  • Landlords and property managers who control terms, rent, and tenant screening and handle collections and maintenance responsibilities.
  • Tenants and guarantors who must accept terms, provide accurate identity information, and meet payment and care obligations.
  • Real estate agents and attorneys who draft, review, and negotiate lease provisions to reflect legal and local requirements.

Use the lease to document expectations clearly and preserve evidence in case of disputes or required legal proceedings.

Essential Clauses in a Professional Lease

A complete Residential Lease Agreement has core sections that define roles, obligations, and risk allocation. Standardized clauses reduce ambiguity and support enforcement while allowing lawful customization for state or property-specific rules.

Parties

Full legal names and contact information for landlord, tenant, and any guarantor; indicate business entity type where applicable and authorized signatory.

Premises

Exact property address, included parking/storage, and any limitations on use; attach unit inventory and property condition checklist as exhibits.

Term

Start and end dates, renewal or holdover terms, and any prorated rent calculation for partial periods.

Rent & Fees

Monthly rent amount, due date, accepted payment methods, late fee formula (complying with state law), and returned-check policy.

Maintenance

Tenant and landlord maintenance obligations, reporting process for repairs, and responsibilities for utilities and common-area care.

Termination & Remedies

Notice requirements for nonrenewal or eviction, cure periods, security deposit return procedure, and allocation of legal costs on enforcement.

Step-by-Step: Completing a Lease

Follow these sequential actions to prepare, sign, and store a Residential Lease Agreement correctly.

  • 01
    Gather Details: Collect IDs, property details, and prior landlord references.
  • 02
    Draft Terms: Enter rent, term, deposits, rules, and attachments.
  • 03
    Review with Parties: Confirm all names, amounts, and dates before signing.
  • 04
    Execute Document: Obtain signatures and distribute executed copies to all parties.

Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Set workflow defaults to reduce signer friction and capture necessary evidence for enforceability.

Field Configuration
Authentication Use email + optional SMS code for signer verification.
Signature Order Choose sequential or simultaneous signing per agreement needs.
Reminders Enable automated reminders, e.g., two reminders spaced three days apart.
Conditional Fields Show pet addendum fields only if tenant checks 'Has pets'.

Where to Send and How to Distribute Executed Leases

Leases are typically shared among landlord, tenant, and property manager; choose delivery channels that create tamper-evident records.

  • To the Tenant: Provide an executed copy for their records and future reference.
  • To the Landlord: Retain signed copy for enforcement and tax reporting purposes.
  • To the Guarantor: Send signed guarantee or co-signer agreement when applicable.
  • For Records: Store PDF plus audit trail in a secure document repository.

Technical Considerations for eSigning and Storage

Choose file formats, authentication, and integrations that meet legal and operational needs.

  • Formats: PDF, DOCX, and preserved audit logs.
  • Integrations: Connect with CRM or property management systems.
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or stronger methods for high-risk leases.

Ensure the chosen platform supports exportable signed PDFs, tamper-evident audit trails, and the integrations required for your operations.

Key Dates and Deadlines to Track

Monitor recurring and one-time deadlines to avoid disputes and statutory penalties.

Rent Due Date:

Monthly due date and any grace period for late payments.

Lease Start/End:

Exact MM/DD/YYYY dates that govern occupancy and renewal notices.

Security Deposit Return:

State-specific deadline to return deposit after tenancy ends.

Notice to Vacate:

Required notice period for nonrenewal or early termination.

Repair Response:

Reasonable repair response times or statutory requirements to follow.

Lease Lifecycle: Key Milestones

Track these sequential milestones from drafting through record retention to ensure compliance and evidence preservation.

01

Draft & Review

Prepare the lease terms and review legal and local requirements.

02

Execution

Obtain signatures from all required parties and date the document.

03

Move-in Inspection

Document property condition to support later deposit accounting.

04

Retention

Store executed lease and audit trail for required statutory periods.

Required Identification and Core Lease Data

Tenant Name: Full legal name
Landlord Name: Full legal name or entity
Property Address: Street, unit, city, state, ZIP
Lease Term: Start and end dates
Rent Amount: Monthly amount and due date
Signatures: All parties and dates

Risks and Consequences of Errors

Eviction Delay: Improper notice may delay removal
Invalid Clause: Unenforceable terms can be voided
Deposit Disputes: Improper accounting leads to penalties
Statutory Fines: Noncompliance can trigger state fines
Tax Issues: Incorrect records complicate IRS reporting
Privacy Breach: Poor data security risks legal exposure

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using informal or abbreviated legal names that do not match ID or business filings, which can create enforcement and screening issues.
  • Omitting exact start or end dates or failing to state prorated rent calculation, which can create confusion at move-in or move-out.
  • Failing to attach required state disclosures (for example lead-based paint) or local rental addenda required by ordinance.
  • Leaving notice and cure periods undefined or inconsistent with state landlord-tenant law, risking invalid eviction timelines.

Real-World Examples of Digital Lease Use

Organizations of different sizes use digital signing and templates to streamline lease execution while preserving audit trails and compliance.

Martin Properties

Tim Martin's property management firm moved to online execution to process leases remotely and maintain compliance.

  • The change enabled mobile signing for field agents.
  • He reports faster turnaround and consistent documentation, allowing move-ins to proceed without in-person meetings while keeping secure signed copies for audits and tenant records.

Optica Ventures LLC

Optica uses standardized lease templates to reduce drafting time across multiple units.

  • Templates ensure consistent clauses.
  • The firm benefits from repeatable processes that reduce errors, speed tenant onboarding, and provide reliable audit trails when resolving deposit disputes or inspection claims.

eSignature Vendor Snapshot for Lease Workflows

Compare common vendor criteria relevant to Residential Lease Agreement signing and distribution; signNow appears first in the comparison for clarity.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Common Questions About Residential Lease Agreements

Answers to frequent practical and legal questions about whether leases may be executed electronically or require additional authentication or attachments.


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