General Lease / Rental Agreement template and PDF guide (Lease...
Prepare rental and lease terms online, then generate a formal PDF for tenant-landlord execution. Use this when you are renting out any type of property and need a single...
When to use this template
Prepare rental and lease terms online, then generate a formal PDF for tenant-landlord execution. Use this when you are renting out any type of property and need a single document that covers the essential terms — rent amount, lease duration, and responsibilities of both landlord and tenant.
What to include
- Full legal names and contact information for landlord and tenant, plus the property address and unit number.
- Lease term (start date, end date, or month-to-month), rent amount, due date, accepted payment methods, and late fee policy.
- Security deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and the timeline for returning the deposit after move-out.
- Maintenance responsibilities: what the landlord handles (structural, major systems) versus what the tenant handles (day-to-day upkeep, minor repairs).
- Rules on occupancy limits, pets, noise, alterations to the property, and the process for early termination or lease renewal.
Common questions
- Can I customize this General Lease / Rental Agreement online for each tenant or property?
- Yes. Edit rent terms, responsibilities, dates, and property details in-browser before finalizing.
- Can I save this General Lease / Rental Agreement and reuse it for future units?
- Yes. With an account, save and duplicate it to keep leasing paperwork consistent across your portfolio.
- Can I generate a sign-ready PDF from this General Lease / Rental Agreement?
- Yes. Export a professional PDF suitable for e-sign, print signing, and legal recordkeeping.
- What is the difference between a lease and a rental agreement?
- A lease locks in terms for a fixed period (usually 12 months). A rental agreement is typically month-to-month and can be changed by either party with proper notice, usually 30 days.
- Does a lease agreement need to be notarized?
- In most US states, no. A signed lease is legally binding without notarization. Some states require notarization only for leases longer than one year.
- Can I use one agreement for multiple tenants?
- Yes, but list every adult tenant by name on the lease. Each tenant should sign, making them jointly and individually responsible for the full rent.
- What happens if a tenant breaks the lease early?
- The lease should specify an early termination fee or require the tenant to pay rent until a replacement tenant is found. Many landlords charge one to two months' rent as a penalty.