What Terms Should Be Included In A Written Lease?
A written agreement should include all terms that are required under a lease and other specified terms that may be otherwise material or ambiguous unless put in writing. Common written leases include the following:
- Names of parties (including landlord, tenant, and other occupants)
- Duration of tenancy (month-to-month, one year, five year, etc.)
- Terms of rent (amount, date due, method of payment, late fees, grace period)
- Terms of security deposit, if exists
- Use of amenities (appliances, furniture, parking spaces, etc.)
- Terms of use of the property (business, residential, etc)
- Assigning responsibility for paying utilities
- Terms of landlord repairs and maintenance
- Events that cause default
- Result of default of lease agreement
- Terms at the end of the lease
- Terms of possible future disputes (attorney’s fees, costs, mediation, etc.)
- Conditions landlord may enter tenant’s rental property
- Result of landlord death or sale of rental property
- Other rules and regulations that applies to rental property (community rules, pets, quiet hours, other deposits, etc.)
Other Leases FAQs
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Q:
What Is A Lease?
A: A lease or rental agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and tenant. The agreement gives the tenant the right to use and occupy the rental property for … More -
Q:
I Have Been Renting A Room For The Last Six Months But I Never Signed A Lease – Do I Still Have A Legal Right To Occupy The Room Even Though I Never Signed A Lease?
A: Yes. Although a written lease is beneficial to protect the rights of both parties, oral agreements are valid where the lease period is for no more than one year. … More -
Q:
If Oral Leases Are Valid For A Lease Under A Year – Then Why Do I Need A Written Lease?
A: A written lease makes terms clear to both parties whereas future disputes in an oral lease may be difficult to resolve due to uncertainty to the terms of the … More -
Q:
If I Do Make An Oral Lease – What Terms Should I Discuss With My Future Landlord?
A: An oral lease requires both parties to agree to specific terms. In most states, oral agreements require the parties to agree on: Duration of tenancy (no more … More -
Q:
Can I Choose To Rent Only To Hispanic Tenants?
A: In general, a landlord may choose their tenants freely based on business criteria such as the prospective tenant’s credit history, income, and references. In … More -
Q:
Are Subleases Usually Allowed?
A: Unless the lease prohibits a sublease, a tenant may assign the lease to a third party. Many leases either prohibit subleases or require adequate notice to the landlord. -
Q:
I Found A Place That I Like Better Than My Current Place. Can I Get Out Of My Current Lease?
A: It depends. If you are on a month-to-month lease, in most states you are required to give the landlord 30 days notice to end your lease (usually that notice … More -
Q:
Are There Any Differences In A Commercial Lease As Compared To A Residential Lease?
A: There are many similarities between residential and commercial leases, however there are differences as well. Residential tenancies tend to be more … More -
Q:
If I Have To Sue My Landlord Or If My Landlord Sues Me – Who Is Responsible For The Legal Fees?
A: Usually, the lease will have a provision that states that the “prevailing” party in any lawsuit will be able to collect reasonable attorney fees. … More
Landlord/Tenant Sub-categories
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Landlord Rights
Landlord Tenant Law Landlord Tenant Rights Rent |
Rental Discrimination
Repairs Security Deposit Terminations and Evictions |
Breaking a Residential Lease
