A residential lease agreement is a legal contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms of renting a property. It becomes legally binding when both parties sign, establishing rights, responsibilities, rent amount, lease duration, and property rules enforceable by law.

A comprehensive rental contract should include: property address, landlord and tenant details, lease term dates, monthly rent amount and due date, security deposit, late fee policy, maintenance responsibilities, utilities included, pet policy, parking arrangements, and signatures from all parties.

Most residential lease agreements do not require notarization to be legally valid. Signed agreements between landlord and tenant are generally enforceable. However, some states may require notarization for leases exceeding one year or specific commercial properties. Check your local regulations for requirements.

Lease agreements have fixed terms (typically 6-12 months) with set rent and renewal dates, providing stability for both parties. Month-to-month agreements renew automatically each month with flexible termination (usually 30-day notice) but allow rent increases with proper notice. Fixed-term leases offer more security and predictability.

Yes! Our free online lease agreement generator creates state-compliant, legally binding rental contracts. Simply input your property details, landlord/tenant information, rent terms, and download a professional PDF or Word document ready for signatures. Perfect for landlords and property managers.