Term and Renewal
Specify the lease start and end dates, any automatic renewal or month-to-month conversion terms, and notice requirements for nonrenewal or early termination to avoid ambiguity about tenancy duration and legal holdover remedies.
A clear, complete lease reduces disputes, helps enforce rent and property rules, and documents legal remedies. It protects both landlord and tenant by allocating responsibilities and recording agreed-upon terms in a durable, reproducible form that supports enforcement in housing court or mediation.
Each party should review tenant protections and local ordinances before signing; landlords often require background checks and proof of income prior to executing the final lease.
The landlord or an authorized property manager signs to accept the tenant and bind the owner to landlord obligations. The signature must match the entity name in the lease; for corporations or LLCs include the signer’s title and authority for clarity and enforcement.
Each adult tenant named on the lease must sign to assume rental obligations. If the tenant lacks sufficient credit, a guarantor or co-signer signs to guarantee rent; guarantor signatures should include full legal name and contact information for enforcement purposes.
Specify the lease start and end dates, any automatic renewal or month-to-month conversion terms, and notice requirements for nonrenewal or early termination to avoid ambiguity about tenancy duration and legal holdover remedies.
State the exact monthly rent, due date, accepted payment methods, late fee schedule (if lawful in the state), returned-check fees, and how prorations are calculated for partial months.
Define the deposit amount, lawful uses (damages, unpaid rent), allowable interest or account requirements if state law mandates, procedures for itemized deductions, and the timeframe for returning the deposit post-termination.
Allocate routine maintenance responsibilities, emergency repair procedures, tenant notice obligations for needed repairs, and whether the landlord will enter for inspections or repairs subject to statutory notice.
Limit tenants and permitted occupants, restrict subletting or assignment without written consent, and include rules for pets, smoking, and business use consistent with building policy and local ordinances.
Outline events of default, cure periods (if any), late rent remedies, eviction process steps, attorney fees allocation (if permitted), and how security deposit offsets will be handled.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Routing Order | Landlord signs after tenant signs; sequential routing |
| Required Fields | Tenant name, tenant signature, date, emergency contact required |
| Authentication | Email link plus SMS code or ID check for higher assurance |
| Attachments | Include move-in checklist and lead paint disclosure as required |
Ensure chosen platform can export a tamper-evident signed PDF and retain a reproducible audit trail for legal and compliance purposes.
Complete on or before the lease start date to document condition.
Monthly due date specified in lease; track late fee enforcement rules.
State window varies; commonly 14–60 days after termination.
Tenant or landlord notice periods per lease and state law.
Notify parties per lease terms before automatic renewal.
Tenant completes application and authorizes screenings.
Landlord approves applicant and prepares the lease for signatures.
Tenant signs, pays deposit and first rent, and receives executed copy.
Document condition and keys delivered to tenant.
Confirm whether the lease or local law requires notarization or witnesses.
Arrange in-person or remote notary if the state permits RON.
Provide government ID for notarization and any KBA checks.
If witnesses are required, ensure qualified adults sign and provide contact details.
Notary should record the event per state rules.
Include notary certificate or RON log with the lease.
For RON, retain recordings as required by state law.
Deliver notarized or witnessed copies to all parties.
A property manager uses a single lease template for all units to ensure consistency
A new tenant residing out of state needed to sign before move-in
| 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 | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |