Simple Rental Contract Create a Simple Rental Contract

Simple Rental Contract

Updated Jan 19, 2026
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A Simple Rental Contract is a legal agreement outlining terms between a landlord and tenant for the lease of property.

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SIMPLE RENTAL CONTRACT

This Residential Lease Agreement (the "Agreement") is entered into on the (the "Effective Date"), by and between:

LANDLORD:
("Landlord"), with a mailing address of , and

TENANT(S):
("Tenant").

The Landlord and Tenant are collectively referred to in this Agreement as the "Parties."

I. PROPERTY

The Landlord agrees to lease to the Tenant, and the Tenant agrees to lease from the Landlord, the residential property located at the following address (the "Premises"):

The Premises consists of (check one):

II. TERM

The term of this Agreement shall be (check one):

III. RENT

The Tenant agrees to pay the Landlord rent in the amount of $ per month.

The rent is due on the day of each month.

Rent shall be paid by the following method(s) (check all that apply):

Payment instructions:

IV. SECURITY DEPOSIT

Upon execution of this Agreement, the Tenant shall pay the Landlord a security deposit in the amount of $ (the "Security Deposit").

The Security Deposit shall be held by the Landlord as security for the Tenant's performance of obligations under this Agreement, including but not limited to payment of rent and repair of damages to the Premises beyond normal wear and tear.

The Security Deposit shall be returned to the Tenant within the timeframe required by the laws of the State where the Premises is located after the termination of this Agreement, less any deductions for unpaid rent or damages.

V. LATE CHARGES AND RETURNED CHECKS

If rent is not paid by the due date, the Tenant shall pay a late fee of (check one):

If any check offered by the Tenant to the Landlord in payment of rent or any other amount due under this Agreement is returned for lack of sufficient funds, a "stop payment," or any other reason, the Tenant shall pay the Landlord a returned check fee of $.

VI. UTILITIES AND SERVICES

The Parties agree that utilities and services for the Premises shall be the responsibility of the following parties:

Electricity:


Gas:

Water:

Trash Removal:

Sewer:

Cable/Internet:

Heat:

Air Conditioning:

Lawn Care:

Snow Removal:

VII. FURNISHINGS

The Premises is being leased (check one):

VIII. USE OF PREMISES

The Premises shall be used and occupied by the Tenant(s) and the following occupants exclusively as a private single-family residence:

No part of the Premises shall be used at any time during the term of this Agreement by the Tenant for the purpose of carrying on any business, profession, or trade of any kind, or for any purpose other than as a private single-family residence.

IX. PETS

The Tenant's rights regarding pets are as follows (check one):

X. MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

The Tenant shall keep the Premises in a clean, sanitary, and good condition. The Tenant shall be responsible for any repairs required due to the Tenant's negligence or misuse.

The Landlord shall be responsible for maintaining the structural soundness of the Premises and keeping all common areas, if any, in a safe condition. The Landlord shall be responsible for the repair of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems not caused by the Tenant's negligence.

XI. RIGHT OF ENTRY

The Landlord shall have the right to enter the Premises during reasonable hours to inspect the Premises, make necessary repairs, alterations, or improvements, or to show the Premises to prospective buyers or tenants. Except in cases of emergency, the Landlord shall provide the Tenant with at least hours' notice prior to entry.

XII. LEAD-BASED PAINT DISCLOSURE

Housing built before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women.

The Premises was constructed (check one):

XIII. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of .

XIV. NOTICES

Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered in person or sent by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the addresses listed below:

Landlord's Notice Address:

Tenant's Notice Address:

XV. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Additional provisions agreed upon by the Parties are:

XVI. ENTIRE AGREEMENT

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties and supersedes all prior understanding or representation of any kind preceding the date of this Agreement. There are no other promises, conditions, understandings, or other agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement.

XVII. SEVERABILITY

If any part or parts of this Agreement shall be held unenforceable for any reason, the remainder of this Agreement shall continue in full force and effect. If any provision of this Agreement is deemed invalid or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, and if limiting such provision would make the provision valid, then such provision shall be deemed to be construed as so limited.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

LANDLORD SIGNATURE

Signature: _________________________
Print Name: _______________
Date:

TENANT SIGNATURE

Signature: _________________________
Print Name: _______________
Date:

What is a Simple Rental Contract?

A simple rental contract functions as a legally binding agreement between a landlord and a tenant regarding the occupation of a specific property. This document outlines the fundamental terms of the tenancy, including the duration of the lease, monthly rental payments, and the responsibilities of both parties involved. Landlords utilize this instrument to protect their property interests while tenants rely on it to secure their right to quiet enjoyment of the premises. The agreement serves as the primary reference point for resolving disputes and defining the scope of the landlord-tenant relationship.

Essential Elements of a Valid Agreement

A legally enforceable rental contract must contain specific components to ensure validity under state and federal regulations. These elements define the scope of the arrangement and protect the interests of both signatories:

  • Identification of Parties - The full legal names of the landlord and all adult tenants responsible for the lease.
  • Property Description - The complete physical address of the rental unit, including apartment numbers or specific areas included in the rental.
  • Term of Tenancy - The specific start date and end date of the lease, or an indication that the agreement operates on a month-to-month basis.
  • Rent Specifics - The exact amount of rent due, the due date, acceptable payment methods, and any applicable grace periods or late fees.
  • Security Deposit Details - The amount of the deposit, conditions for its return, and allowable deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
  • Signature and Date - The wet or electronic signatures of all parties involved to indicate mutual assent to the terms.

Federal Statutes and Legal Requirements

While property laws primarily fall under state jurisdiction, several federal statutes impose specific requirements on rental contracts across the United States:

  • Fair Housing Act - Prohibits discrimination in the rental of housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability (42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.).
  • Lead-Based Paint Disclosure - Mandates that landlords of properties built before 1978 disclose known lead paint hazards and provide specific informational pamphlets to tenants (42 U.S.C. § 4852d).
  • Fair Credit Reporting Act - Regulates how landlords may use consumer credit reports for tenant screening and requires adverse action notices if a tenant is rejected based on credit (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.).
  • Servicemembers Civil Relief Act - Allows active-duty military members to terminate residential leases early without penalty upon receipt of deployment or permanent change of station orders (50 U.S.C. § 3955).
  • Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act - Provides tenants living in foreclosed properties with the right to remain for the duration of their lease or at least 90 days (Pub. L. 111-22).

State Laws and Tenant Rights

State legislations provide the framework for most landlord-tenant interactions. These statutes often adopt or modify the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA):

  • Implied Warranty of Habitability - Requires landlords to maintain premises in a condition fit for human habitation, including functioning plumbing, heat, and electricity (Common Law/State Statutes).
  • Security Deposit Limitations - State laws often cap deposits at one or two months' rent and mandate specific timelines for the return of funds (Varies by State).
  • Right to Entry - Statutes typically require landlords to provide advance notice, usually 24 to 48 hours, before entering a tenanted property for non-emergency reasons.
  • Eviction Procedures - Laws strictly prohibit "self-help" evictions and outline the required judicial process for removing a tenant for non-payment or lease violations.

Landlord and Tenant Obligations

A simple rental contract creates a reciprocal relationship defined by specific duties. Understanding these obligations helps prevent disputes during the tenancy:

  • Rent Payment - The tenant must tender the agreed-upon amount by the specified due date to avoid breach of contract.
  • Property Maintenance - Landlords generally handle structural repairs and major systems, while tenants maintain cleanliness and repair damage caused by their negligence.
  • Quiet Enjoyment - Landlords must ensure the tenant can use the property without unreasonable interference or harassment.
  • Compliance with Rules - Tenants must adhere to building policies regarding noise levels, guest policies, and use of common areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

In many jurisdictions, verbal rental agreements for tenancies of less than one year are legally binding and enforceable. Proving the specific terms of an oral contract in court presents significant challenges compared to written documentation.
A landlord generally cannot alter the terms of a fixed-term lease before the expiration date without the tenant's written consent. Changes to month-to-month agreements typically require proper written notice, usually 30 days, depending on state law.
Breaking a lease early may render the tenant liable for the remaining rent due under the contract term. Many states require landlords to mitigate damages by making reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit to a new tenant.
Landlords in most states may charge a separate pet deposit or fee to cover potential animal-related damages. Federal law prohibits charging deposits or fees for service animals or emotional support animals under the Fair Housing Act.
Standard residential leases usually do not require notarization to be legally valid. Some states may require notarization for leases exceeding a certain duration, such as three years.
Landlords typically cannot enter the property without notice except in genuine emergencies, such as a fire or major water leak. State laws usually mandate 24 to 48 hours of written notice for routine inspections or repairs.

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