Standard Lease Agreement Template (Free Download + Sign Online)
A Standard Lease Agreement is the backbone of every landlord-tenant relationship in the United States. This comprehensive, free template covers all the essential legal provisions needed to lease residential property — including rent terms, security deposits, maintenance obligations, property rules, and termination procedures. Designed for US landlords, property management companies, and individual property owners, this template provides a solid legal foundation that can be customized for houses, condos, townhomes, and apartments. Download it, edit the terms to fit your property, and send for e-signature through FastCLM.
What Is a Standard Lease Agreement?
A Standard Lease Agreement is a comprehensive rental contract between a landlord and tenant that establishes the terms and conditions of a residential tenancy. Unlike month-to-month rental agreements, a standard lease typically covers a fixed period (often 12 months) and provides detailed provisions covering every aspect of the landlord-tenant relationship. It serves as the primary legal document governing the tenancy and can be used as evidence in court proceedings if disputes arise.
What Should Be Included in a Standard Lease Agreement?
- Names and contact information for all landlords and tenants
- Complete property description and address
- Lease duration with specific start and end dates
- Rent amount, due date, grace period, and late fees
- Security deposit amount and refund conditions
- Utility responsibilities (who pays for what)
- Pet policy with any pet deposit requirements
- Maintenance responsibilities and repair request procedures
- Guest and occupancy policies
- Lease renewal and termination procedures
Free Standard Lease Agreement Template
1. Parties & Property
This Standard Lease Agreement ("Agreement") is made between [Landlord Name] ("Landlord") and [Tenant Name(s)] ("Tenant") for the residential property at [Full Address].
2. Term
The lease term is [Duration] beginning [Start Date] and ending [End Date]. Tenant must provide [Days] days written notice before the end of the term regarding intent to renew or vacate.
3. Rent & Payments
Monthly rent: $[Amount], due on the [Day] of each month. Grace period: [Days] days. Late fee: $[Amount] per day after grace period. Returned check fee: $[Amount].
4. Security Deposit
Tenant shall pay $[Amount] as security deposit. Deposit will be returned within [Days] days of vacancy, minus deductions for unpaid rent, damages, or cleaning as permitted by state law.
5. Utilities & Services
Landlord pays: [List]. Tenant pays: [List]. Tenant is responsible for setting up accounts in their name for tenant-paid utilities before the lease start date.
6. Maintenance
Landlord maintains structural elements, major systems, and appliances. Tenant maintains cleanliness, yard care (if applicable), and reports issues within 24 hours. Repairs under $[Amount] caused by tenant negligence are tenant responsibility.
7. Rules & Policies
No smoking inside the property. Quiet hours: [Time] to [Time]. Maximum occupancy: [Number] persons. Overnight guests exceeding [Days] consecutive days require landlord approval.
8. Termination
Early termination requires [Days] days written notice and payment of [Amount/Months] rent as early termination fee. Landlord may terminate for lease violations after [Days] days written cure notice.
How to Sign This Contract Online
FastCLM makes it easy to send and sign contracts electronically. Follow these steps to get your Standard Lease Agreement signed online:
- 1Download and fill in property details, rent amounts, and specific policies.
- 2Review all terms with prospective tenants and answer their questions.
- 3Upload the completed lease to FastCLM.
- 4Add signature and date fields for all parties.
- 5Send for electronic signature.
- 6Store the fully executed lease in FastCLM for the duration of the tenancy.
Standard Lease Agreement FAQs
What is the difference between a lease and a rental agreement?
A lease is typically for a fixed term (e.g., 12 months) with set terms that cannot change during the period. A rental agreement is usually month-to-month and can be modified with proper notice.
Can I add custom rules to this lease?
Yes. The template is fully editable. Add house rules, parking policies, storage terms, or any other provisions specific to your property.
Is this lease valid for commercial properties?
No. This template is designed specifically for residential leases. Commercial leases have significantly different legal requirements and should use a dedicated commercial lease template.
What happens when the lease expires?
The agreement includes provisions for renewal or conversion to month-to-month. Specify your preference in the term section.
Legal Disclaimer
This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and jurisdiction. We recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your state before using any legal document. FastCLM is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. Use of this template does not create an attorney-client relationship.