Can a lease be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided the transaction does not fall into an exception and consent and retention requirements are met.

Do witnesses or notarization requirements apply?

Most standard residential leases do not require notarization or witnesses, though state-specific practices and RON options vary; record any notary requirements under state law if you rely on acknowledgements.

What if a party signs with a different name?

A name mismatch can create enforceability issues. Use the exact legal name in the parties section and include an alias line if a tenant commonly uses a different name.

How long must I keep the signed lease?

Keep the original signed lease for the full term plus at least three years; retain for longer if tax, real estate dispute, or state law requires it.

Are certain clauses unlawful?

Yes. Clauses that waive a tenant's statutory habitability rights or require illegal penalties are unenforceable; consult state landlord-tenant statutes before including novel provisions.

Can I update the agreement after signing?

Post-signature amendments require agreement by all parties and should be documented as written addenda with new signatures; verbal changes are risky and hard to enforce.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Residential Tenancy Agreement

Residential Tenancy Agreement

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Residential Tenancy Agreement

Important Notes: #RTB–1

The Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) is of the opinion that this Residential Tenancy Agreement accurately reflects the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA) and accompanying regulations. The RTB makes no representations or warranties regarding the use of this Agreement. A landlord and tenant may wish to obtain independent legal advice regarding whether this agreement satisfies their own personal or business needs. For the rental of a manufactured home and a manufactured home site under a single tenancy agreement, use this Agreement form. For the rental of a manufactured home site use the Manufactured Home Site Tenancy Agreement (form RTB-5).

The words tenant and landlord in this tenancy agreement have the same meaning as in the RTA, and the singular of these words includes the plural. In this tenancy agreement, the words residential property have the same meaning as in the RTA. Residential property means a building, a part of a building or related group of buildings, in which one or more rental units or common areas are located; the parcel or parcels on which the building, related group of buildings or common areas are located; the rental unit and common areas and any other structure located on the parcel or parcels.

Residential Tenancy Agreement between: (use full, correct legal names)

the LANDLORD(S): (if entry for landlord is a business name, use the ’last name’ field box to enter the full legal business name)

and the TENANT(S):

ADDRESS OF PLACE BEING RENTED TO TENANT(s) called the 'rental unit' in this agreement:

ADDRESS FOR SERVICE of the landlord landlord’s agent:

landlord landlord’s agent

1. APPLICATION OF THE RESIDENTIAL TENANCY ACT

1) The terms of this tenancy agreement and any changes or additions to the terms may not contradict or change any right or obligation under the Residential Tenancy Act or a regulation made under that Act, or any standard terms. If a term of this tenancy agreement does contradict or change such a right, obligation or standard term, the term of the tenancy agreement is void.

2) Any change or addition to this tenancy agreement must be agreed to in writing and initialed by both the landlord and the tenant. If a change is not agreed to in writing, is not initialed by both the landlord and the tenant or is unconscionable, it is not enforceable.

3) The requirement for agreement under subsection (2) does not apply to:

a) a rent increase given in accordance with the Residential Tenancy Act,

b) a withdrawal of, or a restriction on, a service or facility in accordance with the Residential Tenancy Act, or

c) a term in respect of which a landlord or tenant has obtained an arbitrator's order that the agreement of the other is not required.

2. BEGINNING AND TERM OF THE AGREEMENT (please fill in the dates and times in the spaces provided)

This tenancy created by this agreement starts on:

Check A, B or C

A) and continues on a month-to-month basis until ended in accordance with the Act.

B) and continues on another periodic basis, as specified below, until ended in accordance with the Act. weekly bi-weekly other:

C) and is for a fixed term ending on

IF YOU CHOOSE C, CHECK AND COMPLETE D OR E

D) At the end of this time, the tenancy will continue on a month-to-month basis, or another fixed length of time, unless the tenant gives notice to end tenancy at least one clear month before the end of the term.

E) At the end of this time, the tenancy is ended and the tenant must vacate the rental unit.

3. RENT (please fill in the information in the spaces provided)

a) Payment of Rent:

The tenant will pay the rent of $ each day week month to the landlord on the first day of the rental period which falls on the day of each day week month

b) What is included in the rent: (Check only those that are included and provide additional information, if needed.)

Water Cablevision Electricity Garbage collection Laundry (coin-op) Free laundry Sewage disposal Recreation facilities Natural gas Snow removal Kitchen scrap collection Recycling services Internet Storage Stove and oven Refrigerator Dishwasher Window coverings Heat Furniture Carpets Parking for vehicles Other: Other: Other:

4. SECURITY DEPOSIT AND PET DAMAGE DEPOSIT

A. Security Deposits

The tenant is required to pay a security deposit of $ by

B. Pet Damage Deposit not applicable

The tenant is required to pay a pet damage deposit of $ by

1) The landlord agrees a) that the security deposit and pet damage deposit must each not exceed one half of the monthly rent payable for the residential property, b) to keep the security deposit and pet damage deposit during the tenancy and pay interest on it in accordance with the regulation, and c) to repay the security deposit and pet damage deposit and interest to the tenant within 15 days of the end of the tenancy agreement...

5. PETS

Any term in this tenancy agreement that prohibits, or restricts the size of, a pet or that governs the tenant's obligations regarding the keeping of a pet on the residential property is subject to the rights and restrictions under the Guide Dog and Service Dog Act.

6. CONDITION INSPECTIONS

1) In accordance with sections 23 and 35 of the Act [condition inspections] and Part 3 of the regulation [condition inspections], the landlord and tenant must inspect the condition of the rental unit together...

7. PAYMENT OF RENT

1) The tenant must pay the rent on time, unless the tenant is permitted under the Act to deduct from the rent. If the rent is unpaid, the landlord may issue a 10 Day Notice to End Tenancy...

8. RENT INCREASE

1) Once a year the landlord may increase the rent for the existing tenant...

9. ASSIGN OR SUBLET

1) The tenant may assign or sublet the rental unit to another person with the written consent of the landlord...

10. REPAIRS

1) Landlord's obligations: The landlord must provide and maintain the residential property in a reasonable state of decoration and repair, suitable for occupation by a tenant...

11. OCCUPANTS AND GUESTS

1) The landlord must not stop the tenant from having guests under reasonable circumstances in the rental unit.

12. LOCKS

1) The landlord must not change locks or other means of access to residential property unless the landlord provides each tenant with new keys or other means of access to the residential property.

13. LANDLORD’S ENTRY INTO RENTAL UNIT

1) For the duration of this tenancy agreement, the rental unit is the tenant's home and the tenant is entitled to quiet enjoyment, reasonable privacy, freedom from unreasonable disturbance, and exclusive use of the rental unit.

14. ENDING THE TENANCY

1) The tenant may end a monthly, weekly or other periodic tenancy by giving the landlord at least one month's written notice...

15. LANDLORD TO GIVE TENANCY AGREEMENT TO TENANT

The landlord must give the tenant a copy of this agreement promptly, and in any event within 21 days of entering into the agreement.

16. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

Either the tenant or the landlord has the right to apply for dispute resolution to resolve a dispute, as provided under the Residential Tenancy Act.

17. ADDITIONAL TERMS

a) Write down any additional terms which the tenant and the landlord agree to. Additional terms may cover matters such as pets, yard work, smoking and snow removal. Additional pages may be added.

b) Any addition to this tenancy agreement must comply with the Residential Tenancy Act and regulations, and must clearly communicate the rights and obligations under it. If a term does not meet these requirements, or is unconscionable, the term is not enforceable.

c) Attached to this tenancy agreement, there is is not an Addendum

If there is an Addendum attached, provide the following information on the Addendum that forms part of this tenancy agreement:

By signing this tenancy agreement, the landlord and the tenant are bound by its terms.

LANDLORD(S):

Signature:

Date:

Signature:

Date:

TENANT(S):

Signature:

Date:

Signature:

Date:

General Information about Residential Tenancy Agreements

Important Legal Document – This tenancy agreement is an important legal document. Keep it in a safe place.

Additional Terms – Any additional terms cannot contradict or change any right or duty under the RTA or this tenancy agreement.

Amendment of the RTA – The RTA or a regulation made under the RTA, as amended from time to time, may take priority over the terms of this tenancy agreement.

Condition Report – The landlord and tenant are required to inspect the residential unit together at the beginning and end of the tenancy and complete a written condition report...

Change of Landlord – A new landlord has the same rights and duties as the previous one and must follow all the terms of this agreement unless the tenant and new landlord agree to other terms.

Resolution of Disputes – If problems or disagreements arise, the landlord and tenant should try to talk to each other to find a solution...

What a Residential Tenancy Agreement Is and when it applies

A Residential Tenancy Agreement is a written contract that establishes the legal relationship between a landlord and a tenant for the occupancy of residential property. It specifies the parties, the rental unit, the lease term, rent amount and due dates, security deposit terms, permitted uses, maintenance responsibilities, and rules for termination and renewal. In the United States these agreements operate under state real property and landlord-tenant law and are enforceable when they meet contract formation requirements and any applicable statutory disclosure obligations.

Why a clear tenancy agreement matters

A well-drafted Residential Tenancy Agreement clarifies rights and obligations, reduces disputes, and provides the written evidence needed for enforcement in court or administrative hearings. Use electronic execution where permitted under ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA to streamline signing and retention.

Who commonly prepares and signs this agreement

Landlords, property managers, tenants, and leasing agents typically use Residential Tenancy Agreements to document rental terms and protect legal rights.

Individual landlord — Uses a standardized lease to manage single-property rentals and document tenant screening terms.
Professional property manager — Adopts template clauses for uniformity across multiple units, including maintenance, renewals, and notice procedures.
Tenant or guarantor — Reviews obligations, payment schedule, and move-in condition reports before signing to confirm expectations.

Parties should confirm the chosen governing state law, signatory authority, and any statutory disclosures required where the property is located.

Core sections to include in a professional Residential Tenancy Agreement

A complete agreement organizes key terms into consistent sections so both parties can find obligations and remedies quickly.

Parties

Full legal names for landlord, tenant, and any guarantor; include business entity type if landlord is a company.

Property

Complete street address, unit number, and any included parking or storage spaces; attach a unit inventory or condition report.

Term and Rent

Lease start and end dates, payment amount, due date, grace periods, late fees, and accepted payment methods.

Security Deposit

Deposit amount, permitted uses, interest or escrow rules if required by state law, and return timing and deductions.

Maintenance

Who is responsible for repairs, routine maintenance, and reporting procedures; clearly assign emergency versus non-emergency duties.

Termination & Remedies

Notice periods for nonrenewal or breach, cure opportunities, eviction grounds, and procedures for surrender and holdover tenancy.

Step-by-step: filling out the tenancy agreement

Complete the agreement in a single pass to ensure internal consistency and to avoid later amendments that may require additional notice or signatures.

01

1. Identify parties: Enter full landlord and tenant legal names and contact details.
02

2. Set term and rent: Specify lease start/end dates and monthly payment schedule and method.
03

3. Add deposit and fees: Record security deposit, pet fees, parking fees, and return conditions.
04

4. Sign and retain: Execute signatures and keep a certified copy with an audit trail.

How electronic completion and signature typically flow

Electronic workflows compress the signing sequence while preserving a verifiable audit trail and the ability to reproduce the signed record.

Upload document: Landlord uploads lease PDF or DOCX to the signing platform.
Place fields: Add signature, initials, date, and data fields where required.
Send to signers: Generate email or secure link for tenant and guarantor if applicable.
Complete signing: Signers authenticate, sign, and receive final signed copies and audit certificate.

Recommended online workflow settings for tenancy agreements

Configure the workflow settings below to balance signer convenience and authentication strength appropriate to the transaction.

Field	Configuration
Authentication method	Email link by default; use SMS code or KBA for higher assurance
Signing order	Sequential: landlord then tenant, or simultaneous if negotiated
Reminders	Automatic reminders at configurable intervals until signed
Document retention	Enable PDF/A export and maintain audit trail for legal proof

Technical considerations for electronic signing and storage

Confirm platform support for required file types, authentication, and retention before collecting signatures.

File formats: PDF, DOCX supported for upload and export
Integrations: Connectors: Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, NetSuite, Salesforce
Security: TLS in transit and AES-256 at rest

Choose a platform that provides a complete audit trail, secure storage, and the necessary compliance features for your jurisdiction.

Security and compliance items to verify

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest

Authentication: Email, SMS, KBA, or stronger multi-factor options

Audit trail: Timestamp, IP, and action log for each signer

BAA availability: Business Associate Agreement for HIPAA workflows

Standards: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications

Accessibility: WCAG 2.0 Level AA support

Consequences and common legal risks of defective agreements

Unenforceable clauses: Courts may strike illegal or unconscionable provisions

Security deposit violations: Statutory penalties and increased damages possible

Improper notices: Incorrect service can void eviction or termination

Name mismatches: Incorrect party names can delay enforcement

Missing disclosures: Failure to provide statutorily required disclosures

Signature defects: Unsigned agreements may lack contractual effect

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing the lease

Using ambiguous timeframes for rent increases and renewals without clear notice provisions
Failing to state permitted uses and subletting rules, leading to disputes
Omitting contact or emergency maintenance procedures for the tenant
Not aligning the lease with local habitability or rent control requirements

Comparing baseline eSignature vendor pricing and features

Basic pricing and feature availability vary across vendors. The table below shows starting prices and common capabilities for reference.

	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	Yes, 7-day free trial	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor	Varies by vendor
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Frequently asked questions about Residential Tenancy Agreements

Answers to common procedural and legal questions for landlords and tenants completing tenancy agreements.

Need help? Contact support

Can a lease be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted, provided the transaction does not fall into an exception and consent and retention requirements are met.
Do witnesses or notarization requirements apply?
Most standard residential leases do not require notarization or witnesses, though state-specific practices and RON options vary; record any notary requirements under state law if you rely on acknowledgements.
What if a party signs with a different name?
A name mismatch can create enforceability issues. Use the exact legal name in the parties section and include an alias line if a tenant commonly uses a different name.
How long must I keep the signed lease?
Keep the original signed lease for the full term plus at least three years; retain for longer if tax, real estate dispute, or state law requires it.
Are certain clauses unlawful?
Yes. Clauses that waive a tenant's statutory habitability rights or require illegal penalties are unenforceable; consult state landlord-tenant statutes before including novel provisions.
Can I update the agreement after signing?
Post-signature amendments require agreement by all parties and should be documented as written addenda with new signatures; verbal changes are risky and hard to enforce.

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