1. Premises
Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant leases from Landlord, the property described as:
[[Full Street Address, Unit/Apt/Suite Number if Applicable, City, State ZIP Code]]
Property Type: [[Residential / Commercial / Mixed-Use]]
Approximate Square Footage: [[Square Footage]]
The Premises include [[List Included Items, e.g., appliances, fixtures, parking spaces, storage]].
The Premises are leased together with the right to use common areas and appurtenances.
2. Term
The initial term of this Lease begins on [[Lease Start Date]] and ends on [[Lease End Date]], unless sooner terminated or extended as provided herein.
[[This is a fixed-term lease. / This is a month-to-month tenancy that renews automatically unless terminated with proper notice.]]
3. Rent
Tenant agrees to pay rent in the amount of [[Monthly Rent Amount]] per month, payable in advance on the [[Day of Month, e.g., 1st]] day of each month.
Rent shall be paid to Landlord at [[Payment Address or Electronic Instructions]] or such other place as Landlord may designate in writing.
[[First Month's Rent is due upon execution: [[Amount]]]]
[[Security Deposit: [[Security Deposit Amount]] due upon execution.]]
Late rent payments are subject to a late fee of [[Late Fee Amount or Percentage]] after [[Grace Period Days]] days.
4. Security Deposit
Tenant has deposited with Landlord the sum of [[Security Deposit Amount]] as security for the faithful performance of the terms of this Lease.
Landlord shall hold the deposit in accordance with applicable state law. The deposit may be used to remedy Tenant defaults in payment of rent, repair damage beyond normal wear and tear, and clean the Premises upon termination.
Within [[Number of Days, e.g., 30 or per state law]] after termination of tenancy and Tenant's vacating, Landlord shall provide an itemized statement and return any remaining deposit.
5. Use of Premises
The Premises shall be used and occupied by Tenant solely as [[Residential dwelling / Commercial office / Retail / Industrial / Other Specified Use]] and for no other purpose without prior written consent of Landlord.
Tenant shall comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting the Premises.
[[No pets allowed without written consent. / Pets permitted subject to additional pet rent of [[Amount]] and deposit.]]
6. Condition of Premises and Maintenance
Tenant acknowledges that Tenant has examined the Premises and accepts them in their present condition, except as noted in an attached move-in inspection checklist.
Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition and make necessary repairs to the structure, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, except those caused by Tenant's negligence or misuse.
Tenant shall:
- Keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and in good order
- Promptly notify Landlord of any needed repairs or unsafe conditions
- Not alter or make additions without Landlord's prior written consent
- Be responsible for damage caused by Tenant, guests, or pets beyond normal wear and tear
7. Utilities and Services
[[Landlord provides the following utilities: [[List, e.g., water, sewer, trash]]. Tenant is responsible for [[List, e.g., electricity, gas, internet, cable]].]]
Tenant shall not waste utilities. In commercial leases, Tenant may be required to maintain certain minimum utility usage or pay a utility surcharge.
8. Access by Landlord
Landlord may enter the Premises:
- In case of emergency
- To make repairs or improvements
- To show the Premises to prospective tenants, purchasers, lenders, or contractors
- For inspections required by law or lender
- With at least [[24 / 48]] hours' prior notice except in emergencies
Notice shall be given in writing or by phone/email to Tenant.
9. Assignment and Subletting
Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent may be withheld in Landlord's sole discretion.
Any attempted assignment or sublease without consent is void and constitutes a material breach.
10. Default and Remedies
The following constitute events of default:
- Failure to pay rent when due and continuance for [[Number]] days after notice
- Abandonment or vacation of the Premises
- Assignment or subletting without consent
- Material breach of any covenant that remains uncured after notice
- Nuisance, illegal activity, or damage to the Premises
Upon default, Landlord may:
- Terminate this Lease and recover possession
- Recover unpaid rent, damages, and costs including attorney fees
- Re-enter and relet the Premises for Tenant's account
- Exercise any other remedies available at law or in equity
11. Termination and Holding Over
At the end of the term, Tenant shall vacate and return the Premises in broom-clean condition, free of personal property and debris, with all keys returned.
If Tenant remains after expiration without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall become a month-to-month tenant subject to all terms, at a rent of [[150% or specified holdover rent]] of the last monthly rent, plus any damages.
12. Insurance
Tenant shall maintain renter's or commercial general liability insurance with minimum limits of [[Amount]] per occurrence and shall name Landlord as an additional insured where appropriate.
Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property. Tenant is advised to obtain renter's insurance.
13. Indemnification
Tenant shall indemnify, defend, and hold Landlord harmless from and against any claims, damages, or liabilities arising from Tenant's use or occupancy, except those caused by Landlord's negligence or willful misconduct.
14. Alterations and Improvements
Tenant shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements without prior written consent of Landlord.
All approved improvements shall become the property of Landlord upon termination unless Landlord requires removal.
15. Signs and Advertising (Commercial)
[[For commercial leases: Tenant may install signage subject to Landlord approval, building rules, and local ordinances. All signs must be removed at end of tenancy and any damage repaired.]]
16. Quiet Enjoyment
Landlord covenants that Tenant shall have quiet enjoyment of the Premises subject to the terms of this Lease.
17. Governing Law and Venue
This Lease shall be governed by the laws of the State of [[State]].
Any legal action shall be brought in the courts of [[County, State]].
18. Notices
All notices under this Lease shall be in writing and deemed delivered when personally delivered, sent by certified mail, overnight courier, or email with confirmation to the addresses set forth above or such other addresses as the parties designate in writing.
19. Entire Agreement and Amendments
This Lease, including any attached addenda, exhibits, and rules, constitutes the entire agreement. No modification shall be binding unless in writing and signed by both parties.
20. Severability and Waiver
If any provision is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force. No waiver of any breach shall constitute a waiver of any other breach.
21. Binding Effect
This Lease shall bind and benefit the parties, their heirs, successors, and permitted assigns.
22. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Residential Pre-1978)
[[If applicable: Landlord has provided the required EPA lead-based paint disclosure and pamphlet. Tenant acknowledges receipt.]]
23. Additional Provisions
[[Insert any jurisdiction-specific, property-specific, or negotiated terms here, e.g., option to renew, early termination clause, pet policy details, parking assignment, storage, rules and regulations attachment, guarantor requirements, etc.]]
24. Move-In / Move-Out Inspection
A joint inspection shall be conducted at move-in and move-out. Tenant shall receive a copy of the inspection report. Failure to note defects at move-in does not waive Landlord's maintenance obligations for habitability items.
25. Attorney Fees
In any action to enforce rights under this Lease, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the other party.
26. Counterparts and Electronic Signatures
This Lease may be executed in counterparts and by electronic signature, each of which shall be deemed an original.
27. Signatures
LANDLORD:
Signature: _______________________________ Date: _________
Print Name: [[Landlord Signatory Full Name]]
Title: [[Title if Entity]]
TENANT:
Signature: _______________________________ Date: _________
Print Name: [[Tenant Signatory Full Name]]
[[Additional Tenant Signatures as Needed]]
GUARANTOR (if any):
Signature: _______________________________ Date: _________
Print Name: [[Guarantor Full Name]]
28. Attachments and Exhibits
- Exhibit A: Move-In/Move-Out Checklist
- Exhibit B: Property Rules and Regulations
- Exhibit C: Inventory of Furnishings and Appliances (if furnished)
- Lead Paint Disclosure (if applicable)
- Any other addenda
Template - not professional (legal/financial/medical) advice. This is a general lease agreement template. Residential and commercial lease laws, required disclosures, security deposit rules, notice periods, habitability standards, rent control, and eviction procedures vary widely by state, county, and city and are subject to frequent change. Many jurisdictions impose specific form or language requirements. The parties are responsible for compliance with all applicable laws including fair housing, lead paint, Megan's Law, and consumer protection statutes. Customize every provision and consult a licensed real estate attorney in the jurisdiction where the property is located before using this form. As of 2026.
Comprehensive professional lease template exceeding 150 lines. All user-supplied values use [[Token Name]] merge fields. Numbered sections with blank lines between substantive items. Tables kept to 2 columns. Suitable for residential or commercial use with appropriate customization.
