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Residential Lease

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Residential Lease for Single Family Home or Duplex

(FOR A TERM NOT TO EXCEED ONE YEAR)

A BOX (□) OR A BLANK SPACE (____) INDICATES A PROVISION WHERE A CHOICE OR DECISION MUST BE MADE BY THE PARTIES.

THE LEASE IMPOSES IMPORTANT LEGAL OBLIGATIONS. MANY RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PARTIES ARE GOVERNED BY CHAPTER 83, PART II, RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT, FLORIDA STATUTES. A COPY OF THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT IS ATTACHED TO THIS LEASE.

1. PARTIES. This is a lease ("the Lease") between (“Landlord”) and (“Tenant.”)

Landlord’s E-mail address:

Landlord’s Telephone Number:

Tenant’s E-mail address:

Tenant’s Telephone Number:

2. PROPERTY RENTED. Landlord leases to Tenant the land and buildings located at , Florida together with the following furniture and appliances:

The Premises shall be occupied only by the Tenant and the following persons:

3. TERM. This is a lease for a term, not to exceed twelve months, beginning on and ending (the "Lease Term").

4. RENT PAYMENTS, TAXES AND CHARGES.

Tenant shall pay total rent in the amount of $ (excluding taxes) for the Lease Term.

The rent shall be payable by Tenant in advance in installments or in full as provided in the options below:

in installments. If in installments, rent shall be payable monthly, on the day of each month in the amount of $ per installment.

OR

weekly, on the day of each week in the amount of $ per installment.

in full on in the amount of $ .

Tenant shall also be obligated to pay taxes on the rent when applicable in the amount of $ with each rent installment with the rent for the full term of the Lease.

Payment Summary

If rent is paid in installments, the total payment per installment including taxes shall be in the amount of $ .

If rent is paid in full, the total payment including taxes shall be in the amount of $ .

All rent payments shall be payable to at .

If the tenancy starts on a day other than the first day of the month or week as designated above, the rent shall be prorated from through in the amount of $ and shall be due on .

Tenant shall make rent payments required under the Lease by (choose all applicable) cash, personal check, money order, cashier’s check, or other .

If Tenant makes a rent payment with a worthless check, Landlord can require Tenant to pay all future payments by money order, cashier’s check or official bank check or cash or other (specify), and to pay bad check fees in the amount of $ .

5. MONEY DUE PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY. Tenant shall pay the sum of $ in accordance with this paragraph prior to occupying the Premises.

Any funds designated in this paragraph due after occupancy, shall be paid accordingly. Any funds due under this paragraph shall be payable to Landlord at Landlord’s address or to

at

First month’s month’s week’s rent plus applicable taxes $ due

Prorated rent plus applicable taxes $ due

Advance rent for month month week of plus applicable taxes $ due

Last month’s month’s week’s rent plus applicable taxes $ due

Security deposit $ due

Additional security deposit $ due

Security deposit for homeowner’s association $ due

Pet Deposit $ due

Other $ due

Other $ due

6. LATE FEES. In addition to rent, Tenant shall pay a late charge in the amount of $ for each rent payment made days after the day it is due.

7. PETS AND SMOKING. Unless this box is checked or a pet deposit is paid, Tenant may not keep pets or animals on the Premises.

If Tenant may keep pets, the pets described in this paragraph are permitted on the Premises:

Unless this box is checked, no smoking is permitted in the Premises.

8. NOTICES.

is Landlord’s Agent.

All notices must be sent to Landlord at

Landlord’s Agent at

9. UTILITIES. Tenant shall pay for all utilities services during the Lease Term and connection charges and deposits for activating existing utility connections to the Premises except for , that Landlord agrees to provide at Landlord’s expense.

10. MAINTENANCE.

Landlord shall be responsible for maintenance and repair of the Premises, unless otherwise stated below:

Tenant shall notify at and of maintenance and repair requests.

11. ASSIGNMENT. Unless this box is checked, Tenant may not assign the Lease or sublease all or any part of the Premises without first obtaining the Landlord’s written approval and consent.

12. KEYS AND LOCKS. Landlord shall furnish Tenant

# of sets of keys to the dwelling

# of mail box keys

# of garage door openers

If there is a homeowner’s association, Tenant will be provided with the following to access the association’s common areas/facilities:

# of keys to

# of remote controls to

# of electronic cards to

Other (specify) to

At end of Lease Term, all items specified in this paragraph shall be returned to at .

13. LEAD-BASED PAINT. Check and complete if the dwelling was built before January 1, 1978.

Lead Warning Statement: Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint.

Lessor's Disclosure (initial)

Presence of lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards:

Lessor has no knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing

Records and reports available to the Lessor

Lessor has no reports or records pertaining to lead-based paint hazards.

Lessee's Acknowledgment (initial)

Lessee has received copies of all information listed above.

Lessee has received the pamphlet Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.

Agent's Acknowledgment (initial)

Agent has informed the Lessor of the Lessor's obligations and is aware of his/her responsibility to ensure compliance.

Certification of Accuracy

Lessor’s signature

Date

Lessor’s signature

Date

Lessee’s signature

Date

Lessee’s signature

Date

Agent’s signature

Date

Agent’s signature

Date

14. SERVICEMEMBER. If Tenant is a member of the United States Armed Forces on active duty or state active duty or a member of the Florida National Guard or United States Reserve Forces, the Tenant has rights to terminate the Lease as provided in Section 83.682, Florida Statutes.

15. LANDLORD’S ACCESS TO THE PREMISES.

At any time for the protection or preservation of the Premises.

After reasonable notice to Tenant at reasonable times for the purpose of repairing the Premises.

To inspect the Premises; make necessary or agreed-upon repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements; supply agreed services; or exhibit the Premises under permitted circumstances.

16. HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION. IF TENANT MUST BE APPROVED BY A HOMEOWNER’S ASSOCIATION, THE LEASE IS CONTINGENT UPON RECEIVING APPROVAL FROM THE ASSOCIATION.

Any application fee required by an association shall be paid by .

17. USE OF THE PREMISES. Tenant shall use the Premises for residential purposes.

Unless this box is checked, Tenant may hang pictures and install window treatments without Landlord’s consent, provided all damage is repaired at the end of the Lease Term.

18. RISK OF LOSS/INSURANCE.

Landlord and Tenant shall each be responsible for loss, damage, or injury caused by its own negligence or willful conduct.

Tenant should carry insurance covering Tenant’s personal property and liability insurance.

19. PROHIBITED ACTS BY LANDLORD. Landlord is prohibited from taking certain actions as described in Section 83.67, Florida Statutes.

20. CASUALTY DAMAGE. If the Premises are damaged or destroyed, Tenant may terminate the Lease within 30 days under the conditions described.

21. DEFAULTS/REMEDIES. Refer to Part II, Chapter 83, Florida Residential Landlord and Tenant Act for defaults and remedies.

22. SUBORDINATION. The Lease is automatically subordinate to the lien of any mortgage encumbering the fee title to the Premises.

23. LIENS. The interest of the Landlord shall not be subject to liens for improvements made by the Tenant.

24. RENEWAL/EXTENSION. The Lease can be renewed or extended only by a written agreement signed by both parties.

25. TENANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER. Tenant shall, within 5 business days of obtaining telephone services at the Premises, send written notice to Landlord of Tenant’s telephone numbers at the Premises.

26. ATTORNEYS' FEES. In any lawsuit brought to enforce the Lease or under applicable law, the prevailing party may recover reasonable court costs, including attorneys’ fees.

27. MISCELLANEOUS.

Time is of the essence of the performance of each party’s obligations under the Lease.

The Lease shall be binding upon and for the benefit of the heirs, personal representatives, successors, and permitted assigns of Landlord and Tenant.

The agreements contained in the Lease set forth the complete understanding of the parties and may not be changed orally.

No agreement to accept surrender of the Premises from Tenant will be valid unless in writing and signed by Landlord.

All questions concerning the Lease shall be determined pursuant to the laws of Florida.

A facsimile copy of the Lease and any signatures hereon shall be considered originals.

As required by law, Landlord makes the following disclosure: "RADON GAS."

28. BROKERS’ COMMISSION. Check and complete if applicable.

The brokerage companies named below will be paid the commission set forth in this paragraph by for procuring a tenant for this transaction.

Real Estate Licensee

Real Estate Licensee

Real Estate Brokerage Company

Real Estate Brokerage Company

Commission

Commission

29. TENANT’S PERSONAL PROPERTY. Tenant must initial in this box for the following provision to apply.

By signing this rental agreement, the tenant agrees that upon surrender, abandonment, or recovery of possession of the dwelling unit due to the death of the last remaining tenant, the landlord shall not be liable or responsible for storage or disposition of the tenant’s personal property.

The Lease has been executed by the parties on the dates indicated below.

Landlord's Signature

Date

Landlord's Signature

Date

Landlord's Signature

Date

Tenant’s Signature

Date

Tenant’s Signature

Date

Tenant’s Signature

Date

This form was completed with the assistance of:

Name of Individual:

Name of Business:

Address:

Telephone Number:

EARLY TERMINATION FEE/LIQUIDATED DAMAGES ADDENDUM

I agree, as provided in the rental agreement, to pay $ as liquidated damages or an early termination fee if I elect to terminate the rental agreement and the landlord waives the right to seek additional rent beyond the month in which the landlord retakes possession.

I do not agree to liquidated damages or an early termination fee, and I acknowledge that the landlord may seek damages as provided by law.

Landlord's Signature

Date

Landlord's Signature

Date

Landlord's Signature

Date

Tenant’s Signature

Date

Tenant’s Signature

Date

Enter text✕

What a Residential Lease Does and When it Applies

A Residential Lease is a written agreement that sets the legal relationship between a landlord and a tenant for the rental of a dwelling. It specifies the parties, the leased premises, the lease term, monthly rent, security deposit rules, permitted uses, maintenance responsibilities, utilities, and key attachments such as move-in checklists or lead-paint disclosures. Leases may be fixed-term or month-to-month, and they create enforceable obligations subject to state landlord–tenant law. Electronic execution is generally valid under federal and most state e-signature statutes when the parties meet legal requirements.

Why a Clear Residential Lease Matters

A precise Residential Lease reduces disputes, documents expectations for rent and repairs, and provides enforceable remedies on default. It creates a written record for courts, lenders, and regulators and supports accurate accounting, security deposit handling, and compliance with local housing laws.

Why a Clear Residential Lease Matters

Who Commonly Prepares and Signs Residential Leases

Typical participants include landlords, property managers, tenants, and legal advisors who ensure statutory protections and clear obligations are present.

  • Individual landlords and owners who manage one or more rental units and need a standardized, enforceable agreement between parties.
  • Property management firms that prepare leases at scale and require consistent clauses, addenda, and digital workflows for efficient execution.
  • Tenants and guarantors who must understand obligations, payment terms, and deposit rules before agreeing to occupancy.

Use appropriate legal review for unusual clauses or complex multi-unit arrangements to reduce enforcement risk and ensure compliance.

Step-by-Step: Completing a Residential Lease

Complete the lease in sequence to ensure consistency and legal compliance before signatures are added.

  • 01
    Prepare: Gather landlord and tenant information, property details, and required disclosures.
  • 02
    Customize: Add state-specific clauses, local disclosures, pet or parking rules as needed.
  • 03
    Review: Confirm dates, rent, deposit terms, and removal of conflicting clauses.
  • 04
    Execute: Sign, date, and retain copies for each party; notarize if required by jurisdiction.

Where to File, Send, and Store the Final Lease

A Residential Lease usually remains between the landlord and tenant but may be shared with property managers, guarantors, and third-party service providers.

  • Landlord Copy: Retain the original executed lease for recordkeeping and legal proof.
  • Tenant Copy: Provide a fully executed copy to each tenant at or immediately after signing.
  • Property Manager: Send an executed copy to the managing agent and include in tenant file.
  • Third Parties: Supply to guarantors, insurers, or lenders when contract terms require it.

Configuring an Online Lease Signing Workflow

Map the digital workflow before sending to reduce signer confusion and ensure each party receives the correct fields and copies.

Field Configuration
Signer Order Sequential or parallel signature order depending on landlord preference
Authentication Email link, SMS code, or stronger ID verification when required
Attachments Include addenda, disclosures, and move-in checklists as PDF exhibits
Completion Notice Auto-send executed PDF and certificate of completion to all parties

Digital Signing and Technical Requirements

Choose a platform that supports authenticated signatures, secure storage, and the export formats you need for records.

  • File Formats: PDF, DOCX supported
  • Integrations: Works with CRM and cloud storage
  • Security: AES-256 at rest

Ensure the provider complies with ESIGN and UETA, offers audit trails, and — if handling health data — a HIPAA BAA when required.

Key Legal Risks and Consequences

Invalid Lease: Ambiguous terms can render clauses unenforceable
Deposit Disputes: Missing disclosure can trigger penalties
Eviction Delays: Incorrect notice timing may delay removal
Unenforceable Fees: Illegal late fees are voidable
Privacy Breach: Improper handling of tenant data risks liability
Wrong Signatory: Unauthorized signers may void the agreement

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing a Lease

  • Using inconsistent dates or failing to state whether rent is prorated for partial months, which causes tenant disputes and accounting errors.
  • Leaving payment instructions vague or omitting accepted payment methods, creating contention around late fees and payment proofs.
  • Not including required state or local disclosures—such as lead paint or mold notices—exposes landlords to statutory penalties.
  • Relying on unsigned or improperly executed addenda; every modification should be signed and dated by all parties.

Security and Privacy Considerations for Lease Records

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit
At-Rest Protection: AES-256 storage encryption
Audit Trail: Complete timestamps and IP logs
Access Controls: Role-based permissions required
HIPAA BAA: Required if PHI involved
Data Residency: Confirm storage location policies

Essential Clauses in a Professional Residential Lease

A comprehensive lease organizes essential legal and operational terms so both parties understand rights, duties, and the remedies available for breach.

Parties

Identify landlord, tenant, and any guarantor with full legal names, contact details, and authority to execute the agreement on behalf of entities.

Premises

Describe the rented unit precisely, include address and unit number, specify included parking or storage, and attach property condition reports as exhibits.

Term

State fixed-term or month-to-month tenancy details, start and end dates, renewal options, and early termination clauses with notice requirements and applicable fees.

Rent & Fees

Specify rent amount, due date, accepted payment methods, late fees, returned-check costs, and any utilities or service charges allocated to tenant.

Repairs & Maintenance

Allocate routine maintenance and emergency repair responsibilities, define landlord access for inspections, and list prohibited tenant alterations.

Default & Remedies

Describe events of default, cure periods, eviction procedures, security deposit disposition, and attorney fee provisions where enforceable under state law.

Typical eSignature Provider Pricing and Feature Snapshot

Compare baseline pricing and common enterprise features. signNow is listed first per vendor-comparison conventions; confirm plan specifics with each vendor.

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 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

Frequently Asked Questions About Residential Leases

Answers to common execution, enforcement, and retention questions for Residential Leases, with notes on electronic signatures and records.


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