Residential leases should include:
- The property address
- The lease length and renewal terms
- The monthly rent amount plus due dates and any late fees
- Details about security deposits, pet deposits, and what happens if the tenant damages the home
- Repair and maintenance obligations for both tenant and landlord
- Who is allowed to occupy the property
- Grounds for termination of the lease
Depending on your state and individual agreements, the lease can contain a variety of other details, but the main purpose of the residential lease is to clarify the requirements and expectations for both parties.
You can also download our Monthly Leases Made Simple eBook as a guide to creating solid, legally sound lease agreements. It covers what should be included, how to avoid common pitfalls, and why generic templates don't work.