Most landlord-tenant fights are about the same three things: money, time, and who fixes what. A written lease answers all three before they become disputes. Here is what must be inside — for landlords and tenants alike.
Full legal names and the exact address including unit number. Sounds obvious; missing unit numbers have voided claims.
Start and end dates, plus what happens after: auto-renewal, month-to-month, or move out. Notice periods for non-renewal (often 30–60 days) must be written, not assumed.
Amount, due day, accepted methods, grace period, and the late fee. State laws cap or restrict late fees — an excessive penalty can be thrown out.
Get a lease template →Amount (many states cap it at 1–2 months’ rent), where it’s held, what can be deducted (unpaid rent, damage beyond wear and tear — never routine cleaning in most states), and the return deadline after move-out, often 14–30 days depending on the state. Always do a signed move-in/move-out checklist with photos.
Landlord: structure, major systems, legal compliance. Tenant: daily upkeep, minor fixes, timely reporting. Gray areas (appliances, yard, pests) must be assigned explicitly — silence here is where fights start.
Who pays which bills, pet deposits and breed rules, smoking policy, and whether subletting or Airbnb-style stays are allowed. Each “we never discussed it” is a future conflict.
Landlord entry needs advance notice except emergencies (often 24–48 hours by state law). Termination: breach notice, cure period, and the exact exit procedure.
Start from a template with all seven sections, then adjust to your state: Legal Templates.
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