Free Lease Agreement Template — AI | ContractMaker.ai

What's inside

Sections, vetted by counsel

01

Premises & Term

Identifies the rental property and specifies the lease start and end dates, plus holdover terms if Tenant stays past the Initial Term.

02

Rent & Late Fees

Sets the monthly rent amount, due date, accepted payment methods, late fee structure, and returned check fees.

03

Security Deposit

Covers the deposit amount, how it must be held, permissible deductions, and the timeline for return after move-out.

04

Maintenance & Repairs

Divides responsibility for upkeep between Landlord (structural and major systems) and Tenant (routine cleanliness and minor maintenance).

05

Occupancy Rules

Limits occupancy to approved residents, addresses subletting, smoking, and pet policies, and requires compliance with local laws.

06

Entry & Alterations

Specifies the notice period Landlord must give before entry and restricts Tenant from making alterations without written consent.

07

Default & Termination

Defines what constitutes a default, the remedies available to each party, and the process for early or end-of-term termination.

How it works

From prompt to contract in 4 steps

1

Describe your rental situation

Tell the AI the property address, rent amount, lease term, deposit, and any special rules like pets or parking.

2

AI builds your lease

ContractMaker drafts a complete residential lease agreement with all required clauses, customized to your specifics.

3

Review tracked changes

Every AI customization shows as a tracked change so you can approve or adjust each term in Word.

4

Sign and move in

Export as DOCX, obtain signatures from all tenants, and keep a copy for your records.

Build My Lease Agreement

About

A lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that governs the rental of real property for a specified period. It sets out the rent amount and due date, the lease term, the security deposit rules, maintenance responsibilities, occupancy restrictions, and the conditions under which either party may terminate the tenancy. Residential leases are regulated by state landlord-tenant laws, which override any lease provisions that conflict with statutory protections for tenants. A well-drafted lease reduces disputes by putting all key terms in writing, making expectations clear from move-in day. Using a template as a starting point — then customizing it to your property and jurisdiction — is standard practice for individual landlords and property management companies alike.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is a verbal lease agreement legally binding?

Short-term verbal leases (typically under one year) can be legally binding in many states, but they are difficult to enforce and create disputes over terms. A written lease protects both parties.

What's the maximum security deposit I can charge?

Security deposit limits vary by state — many states cap deposits at one to two months' rent. Check your state's landlord-tenant law before setting a deposit amount.

Can I include a no-pets clause?

Generally yes, with an exception: landlords must allow service animals and emotional support animals as reasonable accommodations under the Fair Housing Act, regardless of a no-pets policy.

How much notice do I need to give before entering a tenant's unit?

Most states require 24 to 48 hours advance notice, except in emergencies. The specific requirement depends on your state's landlord-tenant law.

What happens if a tenant breaks the lease early?

Early termination clauses can specify a buyout fee or require the tenant to pay rent until a replacement tenant is found. Landlords generally have a duty to mitigate damages by re-letting the unit.

Does this template work for commercial leases?

This template is designed for residential use. Commercial leases have different legal requirements around use clauses, CAM charges, and zoning. Use ContractMaker's commercial lease template for business properties.