Free Residential Lease Agreement for the United States

Free Residential Lease Agreement Template for United States

A Free Residential Lease Agreement is a legally binding contract used in the United States that establishes the terms and conditions under which a residential property is rented from a landlord to a tenant. This document outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including rent payment terms, security deposit requirements, maintenance obligations, and other key provisions governed by federal, state, and local housing laws. It serves as the primary document protecting both landlord and tenant interests throughout the duration of the tenancy.

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What is a Free Residential Lease Agreement?

The Free Residential Lease Agreement is a fundamental document in U.S. residential property rental transactions, designed to protect both landlord and tenant rights while ensuring compliance with applicable housing laws. This agreement is essential when any residential property is being rented, whether it's an apartment, house, or room. It covers critical aspects including rent payments, security deposits, maintenance responsibilities, and occupancy terms. The document must comply with federal regulations such as the Fair Housing Act, as well as state-specific landlord-tenant laws. Unlike paid or premium lease agreements, this free version provides essential basic provisions while remaining legally binding and enforceable.

What sections should be included in a Free Residential Lease Agreement?

1. Parties: Identification of landlord and tenant(s) with full legal names and contact information

2. Background: Brief context about the property and purpose of the lease

3. Definitions: Key terms used throughout the agreement

4. Property Description: Detailed description of the rental property including address and included amenities

5. Term: Duration of the lease, start and end dates

6. Rent: Amount, payment schedule, and acceptable payment methods

7. Security Deposit: Amount, terms of holding and return conditions

8. Utilities and Services: Responsibility for utilities and services

9. Maintenance and Repairs: Responsibilities of both parties regarding property maintenance

What sections are optional to include in a Free Residential Lease Agreement?

1. Pet Policy: Terms and conditions regarding pets including any deposits, restrictions, and responsibilities

2. Subletting: Terms and conditions regarding subletting or assignment of the lease

3. Parking: Specific arrangements and restrictions regarding parking facilities

4. Common Areas: Rules and regulations governing the use of shared facilities in multi-unit properties

What schedules should be included in a Free Residential Lease Agreement?

1. Property Inventory: Detailed list of furniture, fixtures, and appliances included in the rental

2. Property Condition Report: Documentation of property condition at move-in including photos and descriptions

3. House Rules: Comprehensive list of rules and regulations for the property

4. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Required federal disclosure form for properties built before 1978

5. Guarantor Agreement: Supplementary agreement for cases requiring a lease guarantor

Authors

Alex Denne

Head of Growth (Open Source Law) @ Genie AI | 3 x UCL-Certified in Contract Law & Drafting | 4+ Years Managing 1M+ Legal Documents | Serial Founder & Legal AI Author

Jurisdiction

United States

Publisher

Genie AI

Document Type

Agreement Contract

Cost

Free to use
Clauses
Industries

Fair Housing Act (FHA): Federal law prohibiting discrimination in housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Critical for tenant screening and selection process.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Federal legislation requiring reasonable accommodations and allowing modifications to property for disabled tenants.

Federal Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Mandatory disclosure requirements for properties built before 1978, including specific information and documentation about lead-based paint hazards.

Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): Federal law governing tenant screening, credit checks, and privacy requirements in the tenant application process.

State Landlord-Tenant Laws: State-specific regulations covering security deposits, maintenance obligations, eviction procedures, and notice requirements. Varies by jurisdiction.

State Security Deposit Laws: State-specific regulations determining maximum deposit amounts, return timeframes, and allowable deductions from security deposits.

State Disclosure Requirements: State-mandated disclosures regarding property conditions, including mold, asbestos, criminal activity, flood zones, and utility arrangements.

Municipal Housing Codes: Local regulations setting standards for building maintenance, occupancy limits, and property registration requirements.

Local Zoning Laws: Municipal regulations governing permitted property use and occupancy restrictions in specific zones or areas.

Teams

Employer, Employee, Start Date, Job Title, Department, Location, Probationary Period, Notice Period, Salary, Overtime, Vacation Pay, Statutory Holidays, Benefits, Bonus, Expenses, Working Hours, Rest Breaks,  Leaves of Absence, Confidentiality, Intellectual Property, Non-Solicitation, Non-Competition, Code of Conduct, Termination,  Severance Pay, Governing Law, Entire Agreemen

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