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Basic Rental Agreement or Residential Lease

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LEASE BASIC RENTAL AGREEMENT OR RESIDENTIAL LEASE

This Rental Agreement or Residential Lease shall evidence the complete terms and conditions under which the parties whose signatures appear below have agreed. Landlord/Lessor/Agent, , shall be referred to as "OWNER" and Tenant(s)/Lessee, , shall be referred to as "RESIDENT."

As consideration for this agreement, OWNER agrees to rent/lease to RESIDENT and RESIDENT agrees to rent/lease from OWNER for use solely as a private residence, the premises located at in the city of .

1. TERMS: RESIDENT agrees to pay in advance $ per month on the day of each month. This agreement shall commence on and continue; (check one)

A. until as a leasehold. Thereafter it shall become a month-to-month tenancy.

B. until on a month-to-month tenancy until either party shall terminate this agreement by giving a written notice of intention to terminate at least 30 days prior to the date of termination.

2. PAYMENTS: Rent and/or other charges are to be paid at such place or method designated by the owner as follows . All payments are to be made by check or money order and cash shall be acceptable. OWNER acknowledges receipt of the First Month's rent of $ , and a Security Deposit of $ , and additional charges/fees for , for a total payment of $ . All payments are to be made payable to .

3. SECURITY DEPOSITS: The total of the above deposits shall secure compliance with the terms and conditions of this agreement and shall be refunded to RESIDENT within days after the premises have been completely vacated less any amount necessary to pay OWNER; a) any unpaid rent, b) cleaning costs, c) key replacement costs, d) cost for repair of damages to premises and/or common areas above ordinary wear and tear, and e) any other amount legally allowable under the terms of this agreement. A written accounting of said charges shall be presented to RESIDENT within days of move-out.

4. LATE CHARGE: A late fee of $ , (not to exceed % of the monthly rent), shall be added and due for any payment of rent made after the of the month. Any dishonored check shall be treated as unpaid rent, and subject to an additional fee of $ .

5. UTILITIES: RESIDENT agrees to pay all utilities and/or services based upon occupancy of the premises except .

6. OCCUPANTS: Guest(s) staying over 15 days without the written consent of OWNER shall be considered a breach of this agreement. ONLY the following individuals and/or animals, AND NO OTHERS shall occupy the subject residence for more than 15 days unless the expressed written consent of OWNER obtained in advance .

7. PETS: No animal, fowl, fish, reptile, and/or pet of any kind shall be kept on or about the premises, for any amount of time, without obtaining the prior written consent and meeting the requirements of the OWNER. Such consent if granted, shall be revocable at OWNER'S option upon giving a 30 day written notice. In the event laws are passed or permission is granted to have a pet and/or animal of any kind, an additional deposit in the amount of $ shall be required along with additional monthly rent of $ along with the signing of OWNER'S Pet Agreement. RESIDENT also agrees to carry insurance deemed appropriate by OWNER to cover possible liability and damages that may be caused by such animals.

8. LIQUID FILLED FURNISHINGS: No liquid filled furniture, receptacle containing more than ten gallons of liquid is permitted without prior written consent and meeting the requirements of the OWNER. RESIDENT also agrees to carry insurance deemed appropriate by OWNER to cover possible losses that may be caused by such items.

9. PARKING: When and if RESIDENT is assigned a parking area/space on OWNER'S property, the parking area/space shall be used exclusively for parking of passenger automobiles and/or those approved vehicles listed on RESIDENT'S Application attached hereto. RESIDENT is hereby assigned or permitted to park only in the following area or space . The parking fee for this space (if applicable is $ monthly.

10. NOISE: RESIDENT agrees not to cause or allow any noise or activity on the premises which might disturb the peace and quiet of another RESIDENT and/or neighbor. Said noise and/or activity shall be a breach of this agreement.

11. DESTRUCTION OF PREMISES: If the premises become totally or partially destroyed during the term of this Agreement so that RESIDENT'S use is seriously impaired, OWNER or RESIDENT may terminate this Agreement immediately upon three day written notice to the other.

12. CONDITION OF PREMISES: RESIDENT acknowledges that he has examined the premises and that said premises, all furnishings, fixtures, furniture, plumbing, heating, electrical facilities, all items listed on the attached property condition checklist, if any, and/or all other items provided by OWNER are all clean, and in good satisfactory condition except as may be indicated elsewhere in this Agreement. RESIDENT agrees to keep the premises and all items in good order and good condition and to immediately pay for costs to repair and/or replace any portion of the above damaged by RESIDENT, his guests and/or invitees, except as provided by law.

13. ALTERATIONS: RESIDENT shall not paint, wallpaper, alter or redecorate, change or install locks, install antenna or other equipment, screws, fastening devices, large nails, or adhesive materials, place signs, displays, or other exhibits, on or in any portion of the premises without the written consent of the OWNER except as may be provided by law.

14. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE: RESIDENT shall deposit all garbage and waste in a clean and sanitary manner into the proper receptacles and shall cooperate in keeping the garbage area neat and clean. RESIDENT shall be responsible for disposing of items of such size and nature as are not normally acceptable by the garbage hauler. RESIDENT shall be responsible for keeping the kitchen and bathroom drains free of things that may tend to cause clogging of the drains. RESIDENT shall pay for the cleaning out of any plumbing fixture that may need to be cleared of stoppage and for the expense or damage caused by stopping of waste pipes or overflow from bathtubs, wash basins, or sinks.

15. HOUSE RULES: RESIDENT shall comply with all house rules as stated on separate addendum, but which are deemed part of this rental agreement, and a violation of any of the house rules is considered a breach of this agreement.

16. CHANGE OF TERMS: The terms and conditions of this agreement are subject to future change by OWNER after the expiration of the agreed lease period upon 30-day written notice setting forth such change and delivered to RESIDENT. Any changes are subject to laws in existence at the time of the Notice of Change Of Terms.

17. TERMINATION: After expiration of the leasing period, this agreement is automatically renewed from month to month, but may be terminated by either party giving to the other a 30-day written notice of intention to terminate. Where laws require "just cause", such just cause shall be so stated on said notice. The premises shall be considered vacated only after all areas including storage areas are clear of all RESIDENT'S belongings, and keys and other property furnished for RESIDENT'S use are returned to OWNER.

18. POSSESSION: If OWNER is unable to deliver possession of the residence to RESIDENTS on the agreed date, because of the loss or destruction of the residence or because of the failure of the prior residents to vacate or for any other reason, the RESIDENT and/or OWNER may immediately cancel and terminate this agreement upon written notice to the other party at their last known address, whereupon neither party shall have liability to the other, and any sums paid under this Agreement shall be refunded in full. If neither party cancels, this Agreement shall be prorated and begin on the date of actual possession.

19. INSURANCE: RESIDENT acknowledges that OWNERS insurance does not cover personal property damage caused by fire, theft, rain, war, acts of God, acts of others, and/or any other causes, nor shall OWNER be held liable for such losses. RESIDENT is hereby advised to obtain his own insurance policy to cover any personal losses.

20. RIGHT OF ENTRY AND INSPECTION: OWNER may enter, inspect, and/or repair the premises at any time in case of emergency or suspected abandonment. OWNER shall give 24 hours advance notice and may enter for the purpose of showing the premises during normal business hours to prospective renters, buyers, lenders, for smoke alarm inspections, and/or for normal inspections and repairs. OWNER is permitted to make all alterations, repairs and maintenance that in OWNER'S judgment is necessary to perform.

21. ASSIGNMENT: RESIDENT agrees not to transfer, assign or sublet the premises or any part thereof.

22. PARTIAL INVALIDITY: Nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as waiving any of the OWNER'S or RESIDENT'S rights under the law. If any part of this Agreement shall be in conflict with the law, that part shall be void to the extent that it is in conflict, but shall not invalidate this Agreement nor shall it affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement.

22. NO WAIVER: OWNER'S acceptance of rent with knowledge of any default by RESIDENT or waiver by OWNER of any breach of any term of this Agreement shall not constitute a waiver of subsequent breaches. Failure to require compliance or to exercise any right shall not be constituted as a waiver by OWNER of said term, condition, and/or right, and shall not affect the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement.

23. ATTORNEY FEES: If any legal action or proceedings be brought by either party of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be reimbursed for all reasonable attorney's fees and costs in addition to other damages awarded.

24. JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY: The undersigned RESIDENTS are jointly and severally responsible and liable for all obligations under this agreement.

25. REPORT TO CREDIT/TENANT AGENCIES: You are hereby notified that a nonpayment, late payment or breach of any of the terms of this rental agreement may be submitted/reported to a credit and/or tenant reporting agency, and may create a negative credit record on your credit report.

26. LEAD NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENT: For rental dwellings built before 1978, RESIDENT acknowledges receipt of the following: (Please check)

Lead Based Paint Disclosure Form

EPA Pamphlet

27. ADDITIONS AND/OR EXCEPTIONS

28. NOTICES: All notices to RESIDENT shall be served at RESIDENT'S premises and all notices to OWNER shall be served at .

29. INVENTORY: The premises contains the following items, that the RESIDENT may use.

30. KEYS AND ADDDENDUMS: RESIDENT acknowledges receipt of the following which shall be deemed part of this Agreement: (Please check)

Keys # of keys and purposes

House Rules

Pet Agreement

Other

31. ENTIRE AGREEMENT: This Agreement constitutes the entire Agreement between OWNER and RESIDENT. No oral agreements have been entered into, and all modifications or notices shall be in writing to be valid.

32. RECEIPT OF AGREEMENT: The undersigned RESIDENTS have read and understand this Agreement and hereby acknowledge receipt of a copy of this Rental Agreement.

RESIDENT'S Signature

Date

RESIDENT'S Signature

Date

OWNER'S or Agent's Signature

Date

Enter text✕

What the Basic Rental Agreement or Residential Lease Covers

Basic Rental Agreement or Residential Lease is a written contract that defines terms between a landlord and tenant for occupancy of residential property. It specifies parties, property description, lease term, rent amount and due dates, security deposit, permitted uses, utilities, maintenance responsibilities, and grounds for termination. The agreement sets rules on subletting, pet policies, late fees, repairs, and access for inspections. When executed by both parties, it creates enforceable obligations under state landlord-tenant law and helps prevent disputes by documenting rights and duties in clear, signed form.

Why a Clear Lease Matters for Landlords and Tenants

A Basic Rental Agreement or Residential Lease establishes expectations, reduces misunderstandings, and creates a written record enforceable under state landlord-tenant statutes. Clear terms on rent, deposits, repairs, and remedies reduce the likelihood of disputes and streamline remedies for breach.

Why a Clear Lease Matters for Landlords and Tenants

Who Typically Uses This Lease and Why

Landlords, property managers, and tenants use the Basic Rental Agreement or Residential Lease to formalize tenancy terms and reduce disputes.

  • Independent landlords managing one or a few rental units who need a standardized lease form.
  • Property management companies overseeing dozens or hundreds of units that require consistent lease templates.
  • Tenants seeking clear written terms for occupancy, deposits, utilities, and maintenance responsibilities.

The lease serves both as a day-to-day operations guide for property managers and as a legal record for courts and regulators when disputes arise.

Essential Sections Every Residential Lease Should Include

A professional Basic Rental Agreement or Residential Lease organizes parties, premises, financial terms, duties, and default remedies in separate sections so each right and obligation is clear and enforceable.

Parties

Identify landlord and tenant full legal names, contact information, and authorized agents. Include business entity details and signatory authority to ensure correct party attribution and enforceability.

Premises

Provide precise property description with street address, unit number, and any included parking or storage. Note excluded areas and shared common spaces to avoid future disputes over access.

Term

Specify lease start and end dates, automatic renewal terms, and procedures for holdover tenants. State whether tenancy is fixed-term or month-to-month and include notice periods for nonrenewal.

Rent

State base rent amount, due date, acceptable payment methods, late fee policy, grace periods, and returned-payment penalties. Explain prorations for partial periods and rent increases if permitted.

Deposits

Detail security deposit amount, lawful uses, interest handling where required, conditions for deductions, inspection procedures, and timeline for return in compliance with state law requirements.

Maintenance

Allocate repair responsibilities between landlord and tenant, set notice requirements for repair requests, list emergency procedures, and describe alteration permissions to protect property condition standards.

Step-by-Step: Filling Out the Lease Before Signing

Follow these steps to complete the Basic Rental Agreement or Residential Lease before sending it for signature.

  • 01
    Prepare Document: Assemble lease terms, exhibits, and tenant screening results.
  • 02
    Populate Fields: Fill names, dates, rent, deposit, and utilities details.
  • 03
    Review Terms: Verify local law compliance and fee limits.
  • 04
    Sign and Store: Execute signatures, notarize if required, then save final copy.

Configuring an Online Lease Workflow

Configure an online workflow to handle leasing, signing, payments, and archival using your eSignature platform or document management system.

Field Configuration
Authentication Method Email link, SMS code, or SSO
Signature Fields Signature, initials, date, and checkboxes
Conditional Logic Reveal fields when specific options selected
Payment Integration Connect payment gateway for rent collection

Technical Requirements for eSigning and eSubmission

Verify file formats, integrations, and signer authentication options to ensure reliable eSignature, payment, and record retention for lease workflows.

  • File formats: PDF, DOCX, HTML, and XLSX supported
  • Integrations: Salesforce, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace integrations
  • Auth options: Email OTP, SMS code, KBA, and SSO

Typical Routing When Sending a Lease for Signature

Typical routing for a lease includes preparing the form, adding signer fields, authenticating signers, and capturing a final signed copy with audit trail.

  • Upload document: Add completed lease PDF or DOCX to the platform
  • Place fields: Insert signature, initials, and date fields
  • Authenticate signer: Choose email, SMS, or stronger method
  • Complete audit: Signed copy plus certificate of completion stored

Key Timing Rules and Typical Deadlines to Note

Key timing considerations for leases include payment due dates, notice periods, deposit return timelines, and renewal or termination deadlines.

Monthly rent payment due date:

Set exact calendar date each month; late fee policy should be explicit.

State-specific security deposit return timeline:

Typically between 14 and 60 days depending on state law; itemize deductions.

Notice to terminate month-to-month tenancy:

Commonly 30 days for month-to-month tenancies; check state statutes for exact periods.

Lease renewal notice and deadline:

Require written renewal notice with specified lead time, often 30 to 60 days.

Maintenance request and response timeframe:

State landlord-tenant laws may set emergency response standards; define routine repair timelines in lease.

Notarization and Authentication Checklist for Lease Execution

Authentication and notarization steps for leases vary; use this checklist when a notary or remote online notarization is required.

01

Prepare final lease

Ensure all parties' names and dates are accurate

02

Identify signer

Collect government ID and proof of address per notary rules

03

Select notarization type

Choose in-person notarization or remote online notarization (RON)

04

RON identity proofing

Use multi-factor identity proofing, KBA, or credential analysis

05

Audio-video recording

Retain recorded session per state rules, commonly 5–10 years

06

Notary journal entry

Notary records transaction details, signer ID, and certificate

07

Certificate attached

Attach notary acknowledgement or jurat to the lease document

08

Recordkeeping

Store notarized lease and audit trail securely for statutory period

Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Leaving ambiguous rent provisions or late fee formulas causes disputes and weakens enforceability; state limits or plain-language requirements often invalidate excessive charges.
  • Failing to specify maintenance responsibilities leads to repair disputes and potential habitability claims; document who handles emergency and routine repairs in detail.
  • Using incorrect party names or omitting business entity details can impede service and make judgments difficult to enforce.
  • Neglecting state-mandated clauses, such as security deposit disclosures or lead-paint notices, risks statutory penalties and lease unenforceability.

Short List of Legal Risks and Penalties

Unenforceable Terms: Contract void or limited
Statutory Fines: Penalties under state law
Security Deposit Claims: Withholding disputes and fines
Late-Notice Liability: Invalid termination notices
Disclosure Violations: Lead-paint or privacy fines
Eviction Delays: Procedural defects slow removal

Pricing and Feature Snapshot for Common eSignature Vendors

Pricing and feature comparison for common eSignature providers used to execute Basic Rental Agreements or Residential Leases.

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 (premium) Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes (BAA available) Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About Lease Execution and eSignatures

Answers to common questions about completing, signing, and enforcing a Basic Rental Agreement or Residential Lease, including eSignature and notarization concerns.


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