Laws About Lease Agreements

Federal, state, and local laws often determine which clauses must be included in a lease agreement and how those clauses should be phrased.

Here's a general summary of what typically should be included in a residential rental lease.

Basic Information

• Names of Parties: Full names of the landlord and tenant(s).
• Property Address: The full address of the rental property.

Lease Term

• Duration: Start and end dates of the lease.
• Renewal Terms: Conditions for lease renewal or termination.

Rent Details

• Amount: Monthly rent amount.
• Due Date: When the rent is due each month.
• Payment Method: Accepted payment methods and any associated fees.

Security Deposit

• Amount: Security deposit amount.
• Use and Return: Conditions under which the security deposit can be used and the timeline for its return after lease termination.

Maintenance and Repairs

• Responsibilities: Responsibilities of the landlord and tenant for maintenance and repairs. Procedure: How repair requests should be submitted and handled.

Utilities and Services

• Inclusions: Which utilities (e.g., water, electricity, gas) are included in the rent.
• Exclusions: Which utilities the tenant is responsible for.

Rules and Regulations

• Occupancy Limits: Maximum number of occupants allowed.
• Pets: Pet policies, including deposits and restrictions.
• Subletting: Conditions under which subletting is permitted.
• Alterations: Rules about making changes to the property.

Entry and Access

• Landlord's Right to Enter: Conditions under which the landlord can enter the property.
• Notice Requirement: Required notice period for entry.

Legal Requirements

• Compliance: Statement that the lease complies with local, state, and federal laws.
• Disclosures: Any required legal disclosures, such as lead paint warnings or mold.

Termination and Renewal

• Termination Conditions: Grounds for lease termination by either party.
• Notice Period: Required notice period for termination or non-renewal.
• Renewal Terms: Conditions for lease renewal or automatic extension.

Additional Clauses

• Early Termination: Conditions and penalties for early lease termination.
• Insurance
• Requirements for renter’s insurance.
• Default: Consequences of lease violations or default on rent payments.

These are general guidelines. It's important to consult local laws or a legal professional to ensure compliance with specific regional requirements.