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Virginia Association of Realtors Residential Lease

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VIRGINIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® RESIDENTIAL LEASE

(This is a legally binding contract. If not understood, seek competent advice before signing.)

EFFECTIVE DATE OF LEASE:

This Property will be shown and made available to all persons without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, handicap or elderliness in compliance with all applicable federal, state and local fair housing laws and regulations.

THIS LEASE AGREEMENT (the “Lease”) is made as of the day of , 20 , by and between

(“Landlord”) whose address is through (“Listing Broker,” who represents Landlord) whose address is

(“Tenant”); and (“Leasing Broker,” who does does not represent Tenant). Listing Broker is sometime hereinafter referred to as “Agent”.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions contained therein, Landlord and Tenant agree as follows:

Landlord does hereby lease and demise unto Tenant, and Tenant does hereby lease and take from Landlord the Dwelling Unit hereinafter described (the “Dwelling Unit”) on the terms and conditions set forth in this Lease.

1. SUMMARY OF LEASE TERMS:

a. Address of Dwelling Unit:

b. Term

Commencement Date of Lease: at am/pm

Length of Term is:

Lease Term Ends: at am/pm

c. Rent

Monthly Rent: $

Per Diem Rent: $

Prorated Rent (for period from to ): $

Additional Rent:

Non-Refundable Lease Fee: $

Non-Refundable Pet Fee, if applicable: $

Pet Rent, if applicable: $

Damage Insurance: $

Actual cost of policy: $

Administrative fee: $

Opt-out fee: $

Renter’s Insurance: $

Actual cost of policy: $

Administrative fee: $

Opt-out fee: $

Total Rent: $

Late Fee: 10% of the total Monthly Rent, or $50.00, whichever is greater.

Per Diem Late Fee: $

Monthly Rent to be paid at our office located at

e. Description of Dwelling Unit:

Unit Type Number of Baths:

Number of Bedrooms Other:

f. Appliances and other personal property provided:

g. Occupancy of the Dwelling Unit shall be limited to persons whose names other than Tenant are as follows:

h. Utilities included in Rent:

i. Security Deposit:

Move-In Security Deposit: $

Pet Deposit: $

Total Security Deposit: $

Security Deposit will be held by Landlord or Agent .

j. Cancellation and Renewal of Lease:

Either party may terminate this Lease effective as of the end of the then-existing Term by giving the other party written notice at least () days before the end of the then-existing Term.

If no such notice of termination is given, the Term of this Lease shall be extended for self-renewing terms of .

If Landlord intends to change the terms or conditions of this Lease, including increasing the Rent, for any renewal term thereafter, Landlord will give Tenant written notice at least days prior to the end of the then applicable term.

2. APPLICABLE VIRGINIA LAW. This landlord tenant relationship is in accordance with Chapter 13.2 of Title 55 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, generally known as the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act (the “VRLTA”).

3. SECURITY DEPOSIT. Tenant has deposited the amount shown in Section 1(i) as a Security Deposit...

4. RENT.

a. Rent Payments...

b. Late Payment...

c. Returned Checks...

d. Rent is Inclusive...

5. INSPECTION AND CONDITION OF DWELLING UNIT.

a. Move-In Inspection Report...

b. Locks...

c. New Locks Pursuant to Court Order...

6. USE, OCCUPANCY AND MAINTENANCE.

a. Use...

b. Occupancy...

c. Assignment/Sublease...

d. Compliance with Codes; Fixtures...

e. Appliances...

f. Smoke Detectors...

g. Carbon Monoxide Detectors...

h. Mold...

i. Insects and Pests...

j. Painting and Alterations...

k. Compliance with Law...

l. Landlord Obligations...

7. UTILITIES.

a. Tenant shall obtain all utility and other services...

b. Landlord reserves the right...

8. PERSONAL PROPERTY OF TENANT

a. Renter’s Insurance...

b. Abandoned Property...

9. ACCESS TO THE DWELLING UNIT AND PREMISES BY LANDLORD AND ITS DULY DESIGNATED REPRESENTATIVE(S); REPAIRS:

a. Landlord and its duly designated representative(s) may enter...

b. Landlord shall give written notice...

c. If Tenant refuses to allow access...

d. Tenant shall give Landlord notice...

10. LANDLORD’S INABILITY TO DELIVER POSSESSION TO TENANT.

11. CASUALTY DAMAGE.

12. CONDEMNATION.

13. LIABILITY OF LANDLORD/AGENT.

14. PETS.

15. REPRESENTATIONS IN APPLICATION FOR LEASE.

16. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY.

17. NOTICE.

18. MILITARY.

a. Tenant qualifies under military termination provisions.

b. Termination notice and documentation provided.

c. Security deposit limitations acknowledged.

d. Waiver of rights under Servicemembers Civil Relief Act required.

e. Allotment request permitted if no waiver required.

19. CANCELLATION; RENEWAL.

20. ACTION BY LANDLORD UPON DEFAULT BY TENANT.

21. ACCEPTANCE OF RENT WITH RESERVATION.

22. NO WAIVER.

23. SUBORDINATION.

24. SEVERABILITY.

25. DISCRIMINATION.

26. REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEES/COSTS OF COLLECTION.

27. RULES AND REGULATIONS.

28. HOLDOVER TENANT.

29. MODIFICATION, APPLICABLE LAW AND SUCCESSORS.

30. STATUTORY NOTICE TO TENANT.

31. BANKRUPTCY.

32. OTHER SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

33. OPTIONAL PROVISIONS (to be initialed by Tenant if checked):

LEAD-BASED PAINT. The Premises were constructed prior to 1978...

Tenant Tenant Tenant Tenant

DEFECTIVE DRYWALL. Tenant recognizes and acknowledges...

Tenant Tenant Tenant Tenant

ASBESTOS. Landlord hereby discloses any information known...

Tenant Tenant Tenant Tenant

TRANSFER OF TENANT. ...

Tenant Tenant Tenant Tenant

DIPLOMATS. ...

Tenant Tenant Tenant Tenant

34. AGENCY RELATIONSHIP.

Landlord hereby does does not appoint Agent as its managing agent...

Leasing fee: $

Sales fee: $

Date

LANDLORD (or duly authorized agent)

Date

LANDLORD (or duly authorized agent)

Date

TENANT

Date

TENANT

Date

TENANT

Date

TENANT

Date

LISTING BROKER

Date

LEASING AGENT

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What the Virginia Association of Realtors Residential Lease Is

The Virginia Association of Realtors Residential Lease is a standardized residential lease template commonly used by landlords, property managers, and real estate professionals in Virginia. It sets out the parties, premises, rent, term, security deposit, utilities, maintenance responsibilities, entry and inspection rights, and default remedies. The form is designed to reflect Virginia statutory requirements where practicable and to provide clear, consistent contract language for common rental relationships. It can be executed on paper or electronically when the signature and record meet federal and state e-signature rules.

Why a Standardized Virginia Lease Matters

Using the Virginia Association of Realtors Residential Lease promotes consistency, reduces negotiation time, and clarifies core landlord–tenant responsibilities while aligning many terms with customary Virginia practices and statutory considerations.

Why a Standardized Virginia Lease Matters

Who Commonly Uses This Residential Lease

Typical users include professionals and individuals involved in residential rentals who need a clear, commercially accepted lease form.

  • Landlords and property managers who handle single-family homes or small multi-family properties and need a reliable baseline lease.
  • Licensed real estate agents and brokers preparing leases as part of property management or leasing services.
  • Tenants and guarantors reviewing, negotiating, and signing a standard-form residential lease provided by a landlord or broker.

The form suits routine residential tenancies; parties with unusual terms should consider legal review or a tailored agreement.

Who Signs and Represents Each Party

Landlord / Manager

The landlord or authorized property manager signs to bind the owner. If an entity owns the property, sign with the legal entity name and include the signatory's title and authority to avoid disputes.

Tenant(s)

All adult tenants named on the lease must sign. Co-tenants and guarantors should sign where required; incomplete signer lists can complicate enforcement and deposit returns.

Core Sections in a Professional Virginia Lease

A complete Virginia Association of Realtors Residential Lease includes standard contractual sections that define the relationship and assign responsibilities between landlord and tenant.

Premises & Term

Describes the leased property, exact address, unit identifiers, and the lease start and end dates, including any fixed-term or month-to-month provisions.

Rent & Charges

Specifies rent amount, due date, acceptable payment methods, late fees, returned-check fees, and any additional recurring charges like parking or pet fees.

Security Deposit

States deposit amount, permitted uses, required notice, holding/escrow terms, and timing and method for return at lease termination.

Maintenance & Repairs

Allocates routine maintenance duties, repair reporting procedures, emergency contact information, and who pays for services or replacements.

Entry & Inspections

Covers landlord access rights, notice requirements for non-emergency entry, and the purposes for which entry is permitted under state law.

Termination & Default

Defines events of default, cure periods, eviction process references, notice requirements, and remedies available to each party.

Step-by-Step: Filling Out the Lease

Complete the lease in logical order and verify key dates and amounts before asking for signatures.

  • 01
    Prepare Document: Confirm property and party details are correct before adding financial terms.
  • 02
    Enter Financials: Fill rent, deposit, and fee fields and double-check arithmetic.
  • 03
    Attach Exhibits: Include move-in checklist, pet addendum, or lead-based paint disclosure as needed.
  • 04
    Sign and Date: Collect signatures in the order required and date each signature line.

Configuring a Digital Signing Workflow

Set up a signing flow that ensures authentication, preserves an audit trail, and routes copies to all parties.

Field Configuration
Signing Order Choose sequential or parallel order depending on whether landlord or tenant should sign first.
Authentication Require email link plus optional SMS code or knowledge-based check for added identity assurance.
Notifications Enable email or SMS reminders and delivery of final signed PDF to all parties automatically.
Storage Select secure cloud storage with versioning and audit trail retention for signed records.

Where Signed Leases Should Be Sent and Stored

After execution, distribute signed copies to each party and retain a master file for compliance and dispute resolution.

  • Tenant Copy: Send a signed PDF or printed copy to each tenant for their records.
  • Landlord File: Store the executed lease in the landlord or management company's document system.
  • Agent Records: Real estate brokers should keep a copy in their transaction file per brokerage policy.
  • Backup Archive: Retain a tamper-evident backup copy offsite or in secure cloud storage.

Digital Signing and Technical Considerations

Choose a signing platform that supports secure e-signatures, audit trails, and the file formats you use.

  • File Formats: PDF and DOCX are commonly supported and preserve layout and signatures.
  • Authentication: Email link plus optional SMS or two-factor methods reduce signer fraud risk.
  • Integrations: Connectors to cloud storage and property management systems simplify workflows.

How This Lease Compares to Other Residential Agreements

Compare typical lease contract types so you can choose the right template for the tenancy structure.

Criteria Fixed-term Lease Month-to-month
Term length set dates rolling period
Automatic renewal no, unless stated yes, if allowed
Notice to terminate per lease terms typically 30 days
Rent changes fixed during term notice required

Key Timeframes to Track in a Lease

Several dates and notice periods are critical to performance and termination; confirm any state-specific timing before relying on them.

Lease Effective Date:

The date the lease takes effect; enter in MM/DD/YYYY format.

Rent Due Date:

Monthly due date stated in lease; late fee rules vary by state.

Move-in Inspection:

Complete and attach move-in checklist at or before possession.

Notice to Vacate:

Month-to-month tenancies typically require 30 days' notice; check state law.

Security Deposit Return:

State-specific timeframe; landlords should document deductions and send itemized accounting.

Typical Lease Milestones From Listing to Move-Out

A milestone view helps parties track obligations and key events across the tenancy lifecycle.

01

Listing and Application

Advertise property and screen applicants; obtain signed application and screening consent.

02

Lease Execution

Finalize and sign the lease and collect required funds before possession.

03

Move-In & Inventory

Complete inspection form and record existing damage for future reference.

04

Lease End & Return

Follow notice procedures, perform move-out inspection, and reconcile deposit within statutory timeline.

Downloads, Formats, and Supporting Documents

Maintain signed copies and common supporting documents to establish the full rental record and to comply with local rules.

Export Formats

Save executed leases as PDF/A for long-term preservation and as DOCX for editable records.

Signed Copies

Provide each party a final signed PDF with an appended audit trail or certificate of completion.

Required Attachments

Include move-in checklist, disclosures (lead paint), pet addendum, and any HOA rules as exhibits.

Recordkeeping

Store copies in a secure, access-controlled system with retention policies applied.

Practical Examples from Property Managers and Brokers

These short cases show how the standardized lease supports remote workflows and compliance in real-world operations.

Martin Properties — Tim Martin, Founder

Martin Properties moved to online execution for all leases to streamline occupancy processes

  • They used mobile signing for on-site move-ins
  • "I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

Optica Ventures — Brian Fitzgibbons, COO

A small portfolio manager standardized the lease to speed tenant onboarding

  • Consistent terms reduced disputes on maintenance responsibilities
  • "The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers."

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Lease

  • Leaving blanks in financial sections creates ambiguity and may invalidate enforcement of charges or fees.
  • Using inconsistent names or entity formats for parties can complicate service of process and collection efforts later.
  • Failing to attach required local disclosures or addenda may expose the landlord to statutory penalties.
  • Not preserving the audit trail when e-signing makes proving intent and attribution harder in disputes.

Risks and Consequences of Errors or Omissions

Invalid Signatures: May render parts of the lease unenforceable
Late Deposit Return: Can trigger statutory damages or attorney fees
Missing Disclosures: Exposes landlord to fines or tenant remedies
Improper Notices: Could delay eviction or termination procedures
Incorrect Party: Naming the wrong owner may prevent enforcement
No Audit Trail: Weakens legal proof of electronic consent

Essential Information to Include on the Lease

Parties: Full legal names
Premises: Street address and unit
Term: Start and end dates
Rent: Amount and due date
Deposit: Security deposit amount
Signatures: Dated signatures for all parties

eSignature Vendor Pricing & Feature Comparison

Comparison of common eSignature providers and basic plan characteristics relevant to executing lease agreements. signNow appears first per table convention.

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 Yes
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions About the Virginia Association of Realtors Residential Lease

Answers to common legal, technical, and procedural questions related to completing and signing the lease.


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