Basic Lease Agreement | Fillable | PDF | Word | RTF
Even if you have a close relationship with the parties you’d like to lease your property to, it is always advisable to use at least a basic rental agreement to outline the parties’ duties and rights. Doing so will help protect both parties and provide predictability in the event of an eviction.
The lease can also let renters know whether they may have pets on the premises or play musical instruments, for example, before the parties both sign the agreement. In either case, the renter would not be able to claim that he or she was unaware of the prohibition against noise or pets at a later date. Each provision like these also potentially supports a later eviction action, as they show that the renter was obligated not to perform certain actions, and then failed to fulfill these obligations.
Example
There are a number of examples where a lease can help inform a renter or landlord. For example, if the renter will not be able to pay the rent on time, the lease could specify what the penalty is, such as a $20 late fee. Further, the lease could state additional penalties for repeated infractions. Thus, it could state that three or more late payments in six months constitutes a major violation of the lease and grounds for eviction.
Leases should also specify landlord obligations, such as any cleaning or repair duties. This will let each party know up front which aspects of the property they are responsible for cleaning and repairing. Some landlords, for example, hire cleaning services to clean common areas and hold renters responsible for cleaning their bedrooms.
Landlords are usually responsible for repairing fixtures, upholstery, windows, etc., unless the renter caused the damaged carelessly or intentionally. In any event, it is important that your lease cover all these issues, as well as the security deposit, the parties’ personal contact information, the amount of the rent, the duration of the lease, conditions for termination, property damage, and who must pay utilities.