Residential lease agreement — free template
A residential lease agreement is the standard fixed-term contract between a landlord and a tenant for a home or apartment. Use the generator to produce a state-compliant PDF in minutes.
Required clauses
- Identification of the parties
- Description of the leased premises
- Lease term (start and end date)
- Monthly rent and due date
- Security deposit amount
- Late fee policy
- Utilities responsibility
- Pets and smoking rules
- Maintenance and repair responsibilities
- Entry notice
- Assignment and subletting
- Termination and governing law
FAQs
What is a residential lease agreement?
A residential lease agreement is a fixed-term contract — usually 12 months — under which a landlord rents a home or apartment to a tenant. It locks in rent and terms for the entire period.
How long does a residential lease usually last?
The standard residential lease in the US is 12 months. Six-month and 24-month terms are also common. Anything shorter than six months is usually structured as a month-to-month tenancy instead.
Can a landlord break a residential lease early?
Only for cause defined in the lease — typically non-payment of rent, lease violations, illegal activity, or property damage. Breaking a lease without cause exposes the landlord to damages.