A lease agreement template gives a landlord and a tenant one written document that settles the rent, the lease term and who looks after what, before anyone moves in. This page has 11 free, editable downloads for renting a whole property: four lease agreement samples in Word, PDF or ZIP form, plus seven rental application forms to screen tenants before you sign.
What a Lease Agreement Covers
A lease is a written contract in which the owner of a property (the landlord or lessor) lets someone else (the tenant or lessee) occupy it for a fixed period in return for rent. It usually applies to a whole house, apartment, shop, office or plot of land. It names both parties, describes the property, states the rent and due date, and lists the rules each side has to follow until the lease ends. Because it runs for a set term, such as six or twelve months, the main terms normally stay the same until it expires unless both sides agree in writing to change them.
If you are renting out a single bedroom in a shared home rather than a whole property, see our page on room rental agreements instead. Rules on leases differ by location, so always check your local landlord-tenant laws.
A lease also protects the tenant’s expectations: the rent amount and the agreed length of stay are written down, so a change mid-term needs both signatures rather than a casual message. Landlords benefit in the same way, because the rules about upkeep, guests and notice are on paper before a problem appears.
Choosing a Lease Agreement Template for Your Property
- Land lease sample (ZIP): for renting a plot for farming, parking or building.
- Example lease agreement (Word .doc): a general residential-style layout you can edit line by line.
- Standard rental lease agreement (ZIP): a broader format for typical homes and apartments.
- Short-term lease sample (PDF): useful when the rental will last only a few months and you want to see a compact layout to copy.
Some downloads arrive as ZIP files, so extract them first and check what is inside. A PDF sample is best used as a reference, since a PDF is harder to edit than a Word file.
What a Residential Lease Should Spell Out
- Full names of every adult tenant, and the landlord or managing agent
- The address and a short description of the property, including parking or storage
- Start date, end date and what happens when the term ends
- Monthly rent, due date, accepted payment methods and any late fee
- The security deposit amount and the conditions for returning it
- Who pays for utilities, repairs and lawn or snow care
- Rules on pets, smoking, guests, subletting and noise
- How much notice either side must give to end or renew the lease
- Signatures and the date of signing
Example: A 12-Month House Lease
Suppose an owner rents a three-bedroom house for twelve months starting on the first of the month. On the template she enters her name and the tenant’s name, the street address, the start and end dates, a monthly rent due on the first, and a deposit equal to the amount she is allowed to hold under local rules. She adds a clause that the tenant pays electricity and water, that no pets are allowed without written consent and that either side must give written notice before the end date if they do not want to renew. Before handover the two walk through the house with a move-in checklist and note existing scuffs and marks, so the condition is agreed and the deposit is less likely to be disputed later.
Using the Rental Application Forms
A rental application helps a landlord collect the basics before offering a lease: contact details, current and previous addresses, employment and income, references and who will live in the home. Use the same form for every applicant so you treat everyone consistently, ask only for information you actually need, and store the forms securely because they contain personal details. Laws on what you may ask, on screening fees and on discrimination differ by place, so check local rules before you start collecting applications.
How to Use These Free Templates
Each template below has a preview image and a download button. Click a preview to see it in full size, then press the button under it to save the file. Open Word files in Microsoft Word, replace the sample names, dates and amounts with yours, and delete any clause that does not apply. Read the finished lease with the other party, correct anything unclear, then print two copies for signing. These are general samples, not legal advice, so have a qualified professional review the document if the property is valuable or the terms are unusual.
Lease Mistakes That Cause Disputes Later
- Leaving the end date or renewal terms vague.
- Not stating who is responsible for repairs and utilities.
- Skipping the move-in inspection, so nobody can prove what condition the property was in.
- Accepting cash rent without giving a written receipt.
- Changing terms verbally instead of in a signed note added to the lease.
Template file guide
Before completing your template
- Separate screening applications from the final lease.
- Check the property address, parties, rent and term.
- Review the completed agreement against applicable local requirements.
Use the file links below to open an option directly, or continue to the previews to compare layouts. File formats are taken from the linked filenames. Extract ZIP archives before checking the files inside.
| File or resource | Format / source |
|---|---|
| land lease agreement template | ZIP |
| example lease agreement template | DOC |
| standard rental lease agreement template | ZIP |
| short-term lease agreement template | |
| rental application template 1 | DOCX |
| rental application template 2 | DOCX |
| rental application template 3 | DOCX |
| rental application template 4 | DOCX |
| rental application template 5 | DOCX |
| rental application template 6 | DOCX |
| rental application template 7 | DOCX |
Download Free Lease Agreement Templates
Lease Agreement Samples (Word and ZIP)
Lease Agreement Template PDF
Rental Application Form Templates
How to Draft Lease Agreements (Videos)
Guide To Fill Residential Lease Agreement Form
Tenant Lease Agreement Tips
Related Templates
- room rental agreement templates for renting a single room or sharing a home
- certificate of occupancy templates for confirming a building can be occupied
- contract between two parties templates for other two-party agreements
- scope of work templates for repair or renovation jobs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lease Agreement Templates
How long should a residential lease run?
Many run for six or twelve months, but the length is up to the parties. Whatever you choose, write the start and end dates clearly.
What is the difference between a lease and a rental application?
The application is filled in by the prospective tenant so the landlord can decide whether to offer a lease. The lease is the contract signed after that decision.
Can the tenant and landlord both keep a signed copy?
Yes, and they should. Print two originals or give the tenant a copy of the signed file.
What is a security deposit and how much can I ask for?
It is money held against damage or unpaid rent. Limits and rules for holding and returning it vary by location, so check local law.
Should I attach a move-in checklist?
It is a good idea. A dated list of the condition of each room, signed by both sides, makes deposit discussions simpler.
Can I use a lease for a shop or office?
A general layout can be adapted, but commercial leases often need extra clauses on use, insurance and improvements. Consider professional advice.
Are downloaded lease templates legally valid?
A template is a starting point, not legal advice. Review it against local rules and get a qualified professional to check it for long or high-value leases.
Why are some downloads ZIP files?
A few files are packaged as ZIP archives. Extract them first and then open the file you need with a suitable program.
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