Lease Agreement Template

A lease agreement sets the rules between a landlord and a tenant before anyone moves in: rent, deposit, length of stay, repairs, and what happens if either side wants out. Easy Legal AI asks the right questions and assembles a complete residential lease in PDF and Word.

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Lease agreement vs. rental agreement

The terms are used interchangeably, but there is a practical difference. A lease usually runs for a fixed term — commonly twelve months — and locks in the rent for that period. A rental agreement is typically month-to-month and renews automatically until one side gives proper notice.

A fixed-term lease gives both sides predictability; a month-to-month agreement gives flexibility. The builder supports either structure, and a dedicated month-to-month template is also available.

What a strong lease covers

Names of every adult occupant, so each is responsible for the full rent
Property address, unit number, and any included parking or storage
Monthly rent, due date, accepted payment methods, and the late fee
Security deposit amount and the conditions for returning it
Lease start and end dates, and what happens at the end of the term
Maintenance duties — who handles repairs, yard care, and appliances
Rules on pets, smoking, guests, subletting, and alterations
Entry notice the landlord must give before inspections or repairs

State rules that override the lease

Landlord-tenant law is set state by state, and many provisions cannot be waived by contract. Security deposit caps, the deadline to return a deposit, maximum late fees, and required notice periods all vary. A clause that conflicts with state law is generally unenforceable, even if the tenant signed it.

Several states also require specific disclosures, such as lead-based paint for homes built before 1978 (a federal requirement), mold, flood-zone status, or the name of the person authorized to manage the property. Confirm the disclosures that apply in the property's state before signing.

A note on legal advice

Easy Legal AI is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or attorney representation. This page and the documents it creates are self-help tools. Laws differ by state and change over time — for a high-value dispute or an unusual situation, have a licensed attorney in your state review the document before you rely on it.

Frequently asked questions

›Does a lease need to be notarized?

Residential leases generally do not need notarization to be valid. Signatures from the landlord and every adult tenant are what matter. Some long-term leases that are recorded with the county may require notarization.

›Can a landlord raise rent during a lease?

Not during a fixed-term lease unless the lease itself allows it. Increases normally take effect at renewal, or with proper written notice on a month-to-month agreement. Rent-controlled cities impose additional limits.

›Is a verbal lease legally binding?

In most states a verbal lease for one year or less can be enforceable, but it is very hard to prove. Leases longer than a year typically must be in writing under the statute of frauds.

›What happens if a tenant breaks the lease early?

The tenant is usually responsible for rent until the unit is re-rented or the term ends. Most states require the landlord to make reasonable efforts to find a new tenant rather than simply charging the remaining rent.

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