Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Residential Burglary Lease

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY LEASE

Parties and Property

Landlord Name:

Tenant Name:

Lease Term

Lease Commencement Date:

Lease Termination Date:

Financial Terms

Rent is due on the of each month. Late fee assessed after the day in the amount of $ .

Security, Safety and Burglary-Specific Provisions

Alarm System Installed at Premises: Yes No

If an alarm system is installed, Tenant agrees that activation, monitoring, maintenance, and any fees related to Tenant-requested monitoring are the responsibility of:

Locks and Security Devices: Landlord shall supply functioning exterior deadbolts and window locks prior to occupancy. Tenant shall not alter locks or security devices without Landlord's prior written consent. If Tenant changes locks without consent, Tenant shall provide Landlord with a key immediately and shall bear costs to restore original locks. Tenant acknowledges receipt of keys: Yes No

Tenant must maintain renter's insurance with minimum personal property coverage amount stated above and name Landlord as additional interest for loss caused by burglary, theft, or vandalism. Proof of insurance is due within ten (10) days of commencement and upon renewal.

Reporting and Cooperation: Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord and law enforcement of any burglary, theft, or unlawful entry. Tenant shall provide Landlord with a copy of any police report within five (5) days. Failure to report or to provide the report constitutes a material breach.

Tenant Indemnity for Unauthorized Security Alterations: Tenant shall indemnify, defend, and hold Landlord harmless from claims arising from Tenant's unauthorized security alterations, or Tenant's failure to lock doors and windows as required by this Lease, except to the extent caused by Landlord's gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Maintenance, Repairs and Safety

Landlord Responsibilities: Landlord shall maintain structural components, exterior doors, and approved security devices in good repair and shall make timely repairs required to maintain reasonable security at the Premises. Landlord's repair obligation is limited to items under Landlord's control.

Tenant Responsibilities: Tenant shall keep the Premises secure, promptly report conditions that materially increase the risk of burglary (broken locks, broken windows, malfunctioning exterior lighting), and reasonably cooperate with Landlord's efforts to mitigate risk.

Disclosures

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Owner has provided required disclosures regarding lead-based paint hazards if applicable. Yes No

Mold or Water Intrusion History: Yes No If Yes, describe:

Prior Burglary or Vandalism Incidents at Premises: Yes No If Yes, provide brief summary:

Default, Remedies and Termination

Material Default: Failure by Tenant to maintain required security measures, to report burglaries, or to maintain renter's insurance constitutes a material default. In the event of material default, Landlord may pursue remedies available under law including termination of tenancy, recovery of damages, and injunctive relief where applicable.

Repeated Burglary Termination Right: If the Premises experience three (3) or more burglaries or forcible entries within any twelve (12) month period, Landlord may, after written notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure (if curable), terminate this Lease by providing thirty (30) days' written notice and shall return any unused portion of rent and any security deposit subject to lawful deductions.

Legal Provisions

Governing Law: This Lease shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Premises is located. Venue for any action arising under this Lease shall lie in the appropriate state or federal court located in that jurisdiction.

Entire Agreement: This Lease constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Premises and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral. Any amendment to this Lease must be in writing and signed by both parties.

Severability: If any provision of this Lease is held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Acknowledgments and Tenant Certification

Tenant acknowledges receipt of keys and any alarm codes provided, and certifies that Tenant has been informed of the procedures to report burglary and to cooperate with law enforcement and Landlord in the event of a burglary. Tenant further certifies that all statements in any rental application are true and complete, and acknowledges reading and understanding this Lease's burglary-specific provisions.

Landlord Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Tenant Printed Name:

By:

Date:

Enter text✕
Prepare your document for signing right on this page
  • 01 Edit the text and complete the fields
  • 02 Click Sign Now and on the next screen add recipients and signature fields in SignNow
  • 03 Start your free trial to sign and send your doc
Sign Now

What the Residential Burglary Lease Covers

A Residential Burglary Lease is a lease amendment or standalone clause within a residential lease that defines responsibilities, reporting steps, and remedies when a tenant or property suffers burglary or related criminal property loss. It clarifies who notifies police and the landlord, how damage and stolen property will be handled, insurance and liability allocation, and required documentation such as police reports. The clause also sets expectations for repairs, temporary relocation, and security improvements, and may reference tenant insurance requirements or landlord-provided security measures.

Why Include a Burglary Clause in a Residential Lease

A clear burglary provision reduces ambiguity after an incident by assigning duties for reporting, securing the premises, and arranging repairs. It helps manage liability, clarifies insurance expectations, and speeds recovery by specifying documentation requirements and communication steps between tenant, landlord, and insurers.

Why Include a Burglary Clause in a Residential Lease

Who Uses the Residential Burglary Lease and When

Landlords, property managers, and tenants use this clause when properties are at elevated burglary risk or when landlords want formalized procedures for incidents.

  • Independent landlords seeking consistent incident response across rental units
  • Property management firms standardizing claims and repair workflows
  • Tenants who require clarity on relocation, reimbursements, and insurance expectations

Use the clause proactively when executing or renewing leases, or add it as an amendment after repeated incidents or neighborhood risk assessments.

Typical Signatories and Their Roles

Landlord / Property Manager

The landlord or property manager is responsible for coordinating repairs, communicating with tenants and insurers, and implementing agreed security measures. They must act within lease timelines for repairs and relocation assistance as specified in the burglary clause and local landlord-tenant law.

Tenant / Leaseholder

The tenant reports the incident to police and the landlord promptly, preserves evidence when safe to do so, files insurance claims if applicable, and follows the lease's notification and cooperation requirements to qualify for reimbursements or temporary relocation assistance.

Key Components to Include in a Professional Burglary Lease

A complete clause spells out reporting steps, proof required, repair timelines, insurance and reimbursement rules, temporary housing or rent abatements, security upgrades, and dispute resolution procedures.

Reporting

Who must notify law enforcement and the landlord, required timing for the report, and instructions to obtain and provide the police report reference number.

Documentation

Which documents the tenant must provide (police report, photos, receipts, inventory of stolen items) and acceptable timeframes for submission to support claims.

Insurance Expectations

Tenant insurance requirements (recommended or mandatory), landlord insurance boundaries, and when each party's policy applies to loss or damage.

Repairs and Access

Timeline for landlord repairs or boarding the property, tenant cooperation for access, and standards for securing premises after a burglary.

Temporary Relocation

Conditions for relocation or rent abatement, payment responsibility for temporary housing, and process for advance approval and expense documentation.

Security Upgrades

Agreed improvements (locks, lights, cameras), cost allocation, and whether upgrades become landlord property or are tenant-installed at tenant expense.

Essential Information to Collect

Tenant Name: Full legal name
Property Address: Street, city, state, ZIP
Incident Date: MM/DD/YYYY
Police Report: Report number
Insurance Info: Carrier and policy number
Damage Estimate: Itemized or contractor estimate

Step-by-Step: How to Complete and Add the Clause

Follow these practical steps to add a burglary clause to a lease or complete the standalone burglary lease document accurately.

  • 01
    Review existing lease: Check for conflicting provisions
  • 02
    Draft clause: Include reporting, repairs, insurance, relocation
  • 03
    Obtain consent: Have all parties sign the amendment
  • 04
    Distribute copies: Provide tenant and retain landlord copy

How to Customize and Complete the Clause Online

Configure online workflows to collect required fields, route for signatures, and store documentation securely.

Field Mapping Map tenant name, address, incident date, police report, and insurance fields
Signature Order Landlord signs after tenant or simultaneous signing as required
Authentication Use email verification or stronger 2FA for identity assurance
Attachment Settings Allow upload of photos, police reports, and receipts
Storage Policy Define retention and access controls for incident records

Where to File or Send Completed Documents

Designate central recipients and storage locations to avoid confusion after an incident.

  • Landlord Records: Store executed lease and incident files in property folder
  • Tenant Copy: Provide tenant a signed PDF copy
  • Insurance Carrier: Send police report and receipts to insurer
  • Law Enforcement: Retain original police report reference

Digital Signing and eSubmission Considerations

Use a secure eSignature platform for remote signing, attachments, and audit trails to support claims and evidence preservation.

  • File Formats: PDF or DOCX recommended
  • Authentication: Email+code or 2FA
  • Audit Trail: Capture timestamps and IP

Ensure the platform complies with ESIGN and UETA for enforceability; for healthcare-adjacent housing programs consider HIPAA controls and a BAA where protected health information is involved.

Timelines and Deadlines to Specify

Incorporate clear deadlines so all parties know when to report, document, and act after a burglary.

Report to police:

Require immediate reporting and provide police report within 48–72 hours

Notify landlord:

Tenant to notify landlord within 24–72 hours of incident

Submit documentation:

Provide photos, receipts, and inventories within 14 days

Temporary repairs:

Landlord to secure premises within 48 hours of notice

Formal repair timeline:

Complete nonemergency repairs within 14–30 days unless extended by agreement

Common Mistakes When Preparing a Burglary Clause

  • Vague reporting requirements leaving ambiguity about who files police reports and when
  • Failing to require proof such as a police report number, which insurers typically request
  • Not specifying temporary housing or rent abatement procedures, delaying tenant relief
  • Overlooking local landlord-tenant statutes that restrict waivers or modify notice and repair timelines

Penalties and Risks of an Incomplete or Incorrect Clause

Claim Denial: Insurance claims may be denied
Liability Disputes: Increased litigation risk
Regulatory Noncompliance: Local code violations possible
Delayed Repairs: Longer tenant displacement
Financial Exposure: Unexpected repair costs
Tenant Remedies: Rent offsets or termination risks

Practical Examples of How the Clause Works

Two brief scenarios show common ways landlords and tenants use a burglary clause to manage incidents and claims.

Property Manager Scenario

A tenant reports forced entry and missing items within 24 hours

  • Manager coordinates boarding and a locksmith within 24–48 hours
  • Police report, photos, and receipts are collected and shared with insurer, enabling faster repair scheduling and a short rent abatement while repairs proceed.

Tenant Insurance Scenario

A tenant files a police report and submits it within 48 hours

  • Tenant also provides photos and receipts for stolen goods
  • Landlord assists with temporary security measures while the tenant's renter's insurance pays for replacements subject to policy terms.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Managing Lease Signatures

Compare common eSignature providers by starting price and feature considerations relevant to lease and incident documentation workflows.

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 Burglary Lease Clauses

Answers to frequent questions about drafting, executing, and enforcing burglary provisions in residential leases.


Need help? Contact support

be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users
Sign Now
Company
Forms
Pricing
Resources
Knowledge base
Other Products
© 2026 airSlate Inc. All rights reserved.