1. Premises & Term

Premises: ___[Full Address, Unit #, City, State, ZIP]___

Term: The tenancy shall commence on ___[Start Date]___ and shall terminate on ___[End Date]___ (“Term”). Absent a new written agreement, the tenancy may convert to a month-to-month tenancy under identical terms, subject to proper written notice as required by applicable law.

2. Rent & Payment

Monthly Rent: Tenant shall pay to Landlord the sum of $___[Amount]___ per month, due in advance on the ___[Day]___ day of each month.

Payment Method: ___[e.g., bank transfer, check, electronic payment]___

Late Charge: If rent is not received by the ___[Grace Period Days]___ day after the due date, Tenant shall pay a late charge of $___[Amount]___ plus $___[Amount]___ per day thereafter until payment is made. Time is of the essence.

3. Security Deposit

Upon execution of this Agreement, Tenant shall deposit $___[Deposit Amount]___ (the “Security Deposit”). Landlord shall hold the Security Deposit in accordance with the laws of the State of ___[State]___. The Security Deposit shall secure Tenant’s performance under this Agreement and may be applied to unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or other lawful costs. The remainder of the deposit, if any, will be returned to the Tenant in accordance with state law following move-out and return of possession.

4. Use & Occupancy

Use: The Premises shall be used solely as a residential dwelling by Tenant and those occupants listed herein. No commercial, business, or unlawful activity shall be conducted on the Premises unless expressly permitted in writing by Landlord.

Occupancy Limit: The maximum number of occupants permitted to reside in the Premises is ___[Number]___ persons, unless Landlord grants prior written approval, and this limit shall not be enforced in a manner that unlawfully excludes families or occupants protected under fair housing laws.

5. Utilities & Services

Tenant shall be responsible for payment of the following utilities and services: ___[List utilities]___. Landlord shall provide the following services: ___[List included services]___. Tenant shall keep accounts for the utilities in good standing and notify Landlord of any interruption or malfunction.

6. Maintenance & Repairs

Tenant agrees to maintain the Premises in a clean, safe, and sanitary condition at all times and to promptly notify Landlord in writing of any required repairs or unsafe condition. Landlord shall maintain the major systems (heating, plumbing, electrical, structural) in working condition in compliance with applicable habitability laws and regulations.

7. Rules & Policies

• Tenant shall not engage in or permit unlawful activity on or near the Premises.
• Tenant shall not cause damage to the Premises beyond normal wear and tear, nor create a nuisance or disturbance to other residents or neighboring properties.
• Pet Policy: ___[Specify pet rules]___. Assistance animals (service and emotional support) shall be accommodated in accordance with the Fair Housing Act and applicable law and may not be subjected to pet-related fees, breed or weight restrictions or additional deposits.
• Tenant shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local health, fire, building and safety codes.

8. Subleasing & Assignment

Tenant shall not assign this Agreement or sublease the Premises, or any part thereof, without the prior written consent of Landlord, which shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any unauthorized assignment or sublease shall constitute a material default under this Agreement.

9. Termination & Move-Out

Either Party may terminate this Agreement at the end of the Term by providing at least ___[Number]___ days’ written notice (or such other notice period as required under the laws of the State of ___[State]___). Upon move-out, Tenant shall return the Premises in broom-clean condition, remove all personal possessions, return keys, and allow Landlord a final inspection. Damage beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent and other lawful costs may be deducted from the Security Deposit consistent with state law.

10. Default & Remedies

If Tenant fails to pay rent when due or breaches any material provision of this Agreement, Landlord may provide the applicable written notice as required under the laws of the State of ___[State]___. Thereafter Landlord may pursue all remedies available under contract and statute, including but not limited to eviction, recovery of unpaid rent, costs and attorneys’ fees to the extent permitted by law. Tenant shall be liable for any costs reasonably incurred by Landlord in connection with enforcement of this Agreement.

11. Governing Law & Severability

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of ___[State]___, excluding its conflicts-of-laws provisions. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions, which shall remain enforceable.

12. Required Disclosures & Addenda

Tenant acknowledges receipt of any required state or federal disclosures, including but not limited to lead-based paint notification, local habitability or rent-control disclosures, and any other disclosures mandated under the laws of the State of ___[State]___. Landlord agrees that any required addenda (such as lead paint, mold, or local ordinance compliance) is incorporated herein and forms part of this Agreement.