This Lease Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into as of [DATE], by and between:

Landlord: [Landlord Name], residing at [Landlord Address] ("Landlord").

Tenant: [Tenant Name], residing at [Tenant Address] ("Tenant").

Witnesseth

WHEREAS, Landlord is the owner of the premises located at [Property Address] ("Premises"); and

WHEREAS, Tenant desires to lease the Premises from Landlord and Landlord desires to lease the Premises to Tenant.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing premises and the mutual covenants hereinafter contained, the parties agree as follows:

1. Lease Term

  • Term: The term of this Lease shall be for a period of [Lease Term] (the "Term"), commencing on [Start Date] and ending on [End Date].
  • Renewal: [Specify renewal options, e.g., Tenant has the right to renew for one additional term of [Term] upon [Number] days written notice to Landlord and agreement to any adjusted rent.]

2. Rent

  • Monthly Rent: The monthly rent for the Premises shall be [Monthly Rent] USD (the "Rent").
  • Payment: Rent shall be due on the first [Day of Month] of each month and shall be paid to Landlord at [Payment Address] or through an online payment system designated by Landlord (late fees may apply).
  • Grace Period: [Optional] Tenant shall be allowed a grace period of [Number] days for late rent payments without incurring a late fee.

3. Security Deposit

  • Amount: Upon execution of this Agreement, Tenant shall pay Landlord a security deposit of [Security Deposit Amount] USD (the "Security Deposit").
  • Return: The Security Deposit will be returned to Tenant within [Number] days following termination of this Agreement, less any deductions for:
    • Unpaid rent
    • Damages to the Premises beyond normal wear and tear
    • Unpaid fees (e.g., late fees, cleaning fees)
    • Other charges permitted by law

4. Use of Premises

  • Residential Only: The Premises shall be used for residential purposes only and shall be occupied by Tenant and the following additional occupants: [List authorized occupants].
  • Guests: Overnight guests are limited to [Number] for a maximum of [Number] consecutive days without Landlord's prior written consent.

5. Tenant's Responsibilities

  • Maintenance: Maintain the Premises in a clean and sanitary condition.
  • Utilities: Pay for all utilities listed in Section 7 ("Utilities").
  • Trash: Dispose of all trash and garbage properly.
  • Laws & Regulations: Comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Peace & Quiet: Not disturb the peace of other tenants.
  • Alterations: Obtain Landlord's written consent before making any alterations or additions to the Premises.
  • Access: Allow Landlord reasonable access to the Premises for repairs, inspections, or showings (with reasonable notice).

6. Landlord's Responsibilities

  • Habitability: Maintain the structural integrity of the Premises and ensure it remains habitable.
  • Appliances: Provide all appliances and mechanical equipment in good working order at the beginning of the Lease Term.
  • Repairs: Make all repairs necessary to ensure the habitability of the Premises within a reasonable time after receiving written notice from Tenant.

7. Utilities

Tenant shall be responsible for the payment of the following utilities: [List utilities]. Landlord shall be responsible for: [List any utilities Landlord pays].

8. Pets

[State Pet Policy. e.g., No pets allowed. Pets allowed with written permission, pet deposit of [Amount] USD, and signed pet addendum.]

9. Subletting and Assignment

Tenant shall not sublet the Premises or assign this Agreement without the prior written consent of Landlord.

10. Termination

  • Landlord Termination: Landlord may terminate this Agreement upon [Number] days written notice to Tenant in the event of Tenant's material breach of this Agreement (e.g., non-payment of rent, damage to property).
  • Tenant Termination: Tenant may terminate this Agreement upon [Number] days written notice to Landlord, subject to any early termination fees outlined in Section 11 ("Fees").

11. Fees

  • Late Fee: A late fee of [Amount] USD will be charged for rent payments received after the [Day of Month].
  • Early Termination: Tenant shall be responsible for a fee of [Amount] USD if the Lease is terminated before the end of the Term without cause. This fee may be used to compensate Landlord for the costs of re-letting the Premises.
  • NSF Check Fee: A fee of [Amount] USD will be charged for any returned checks due to insufficient funds.
  • Pet Fee (if applicable): A non-refundable pet fee of [Amount] USD will be charged per pet.
  • Other Fees: Landlord may charge reasonable fees for other services (e.g., parking, laundry) with written notice to Tenant.

2. Notices

All notices required or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered in person or deposited in the United States mail, certified or registered, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, addressed as follows:

If to Landlord:

[Landlord Name] [Landlord Address]

If to Tenant:

[Tenant Name] [Tenant Address]

OR to such other address as either party may hereafter specify by written notice to the other party.

Electronic Delivery: Notices may also be delivered electronically to the following email addresses, with a copy always sent via certified mail:

  • Landlord Email: [Landlord Email Address] (if applicable)
  • Tenant Email: [Tenant Email Address]

Effective Date: Notices shall be deemed effective upon receipt by the addressee.

Additional Considerations

  • You may want to include a clause specifying the number of days' notice required for specific situations (e.g., lease termination, maintenance requests).
  • Double-check your state's laws regarding notice delivery methods and required timeframes.

By incorporating this section, both parties have a clear understanding of how to deliver important information during the lease term.