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What are the Different Parts of a Landlord-Tenant Lease Agreement?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

For it to be considered legally valid, a landlord-tenant lease agreement must have certain components. Some of the most basics parts of this type of contract include the names of all people involved, a description of the property, and restrictions that go along with the lease. Money is a major part of this agreement, as it should not only specify the amount due and when, but should also discuss late fees, security deposits, and whether the utilities will be paid by the landlord or tenant. Most agreements also discuss how repairs, alterations, and damage to the property will be handled.

The typical landlord-tenant lease agreement starts by naming all landlords and tenants who are expected to be legally bound by the document. A description of the property is also common, though sometimes an address should suffice, usually followed by the date that the lease begins and ends. Also explained in the lease is the number of guests allowed to stay over, and the length of time they can stay. The same goes for pets, as most agreements specify whether pets are allowed, as well as any breed or weight restrictions for each animal.

Money is a major part of a lease agreement.
Money is a major part of a lease agreement.

Some of the most important parts of the landlord-tenant lease agreement deal with money, with the amount of the rent being the most basic detail. Also discussed are the terms of the rent, such as payment types accepted, the date it is due each month, and late fees. Most landlords also charge a security deposit that allows them to clean or repair the property once the tenant moves out, so the amount and whether it is refundable is typically added into the agreement. Additionally, some landlords agree to pay for some or all utilities, which is a point that needs to be discussed before the landlord-tenant lease agreement is signed.

To be legally valid, a landlord-tenant lease agreement must contain certain components.
To be legally valid, a landlord-tenant lease agreement must contain certain components.

Finally, there needs to be a section that discusses what will happen in the event of issues with the property. For example, most properties need repair at some point, so the lease needs to point out what types of repairs the landlord is in charge of making or paying for. Damage to the property should also be discussed in a landlord-tenant lease agreement, as it needs to be determined who will pay for it should it occur. Additionally, the typical landlord-tenant lease agreement also specifies whether any alterations can be made to the property by the tenant, such as painting the walls or adding new appliances.

Discussion Comments

Heavanet

@spotiche5- I think you should ask any dog owner who applies for your rental if his or her dog has had formal training. If so, he or she should be able to prove this with a copy of the obedience training certificate. Dogs that have been through obedience training are usually better behaved and less likely to be destructive than those that haven't.

Talentryto

@spotiche5- I think that larger dogs can definitely cause more serious destruction to a home or apartment, but I also think that small dogs may be more likely to bark and annoy neighbors. I think that you will have to decide on a case-by-case basis what dogs you should and shouldn't allow, so it will be in your best interest to meet potential renters and their dogs first before choosing your tenants.

Spotiche5

@talentryto- Thanks for the tips. I will be renting out a home for the first time this year, and I really want to allow pets on the lease agreement. I also don't want the place to be ruined. Should I put a limit on the size of dogs that I will allow, or can any types of dogs cause major problems if they have inattentive owners?

Talentryto

People who allow animals in their rentals should be very specific in the pet section of a landlord tenant lease agreement. Not only should it specify the type and size of pets that are allowed, but there should be specifics in the lease about proper pet confinement and tenant responsibility for all types of damages that pets may cause.

Pets can cause problems in neighborhoods if they are allowed to roam freely. They can also end up injured. Though many landlords don't think about this when they allow pets in their rentals, the lease should indicate that pets must be kept safely indoors and must always be accompanied by their owners when they are outside.

Pets can also cause a wide variety of damages. Not only should landlords who allow pets do regular inspections, but they must also list damages that renters are required to pay for if they occur. This may include damaged doors, chewed carpet, or scratched walls to name a few.

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    • Money is a major part of a lease agreement.
      By: eccolo
      Money is a major part of a lease agreement.
    • To be legally valid, a landlord-tenant lease agreement must contain certain components.
      By: Andy Dean
      To be legally valid, a landlord-tenant lease agreement must contain certain components.
    • A landlord-tenant lease agreement should outline the exact repairs that the landlord is responsible for.
      By: Mikael Damkier
      A landlord-tenant lease agreement should outline the exact repairs that the landlord is responsible for.
    • A landlord-tenant lease covers pets and any associated fees.
      By: ArenaCreative
      A landlord-tenant lease covers pets and any associated fees.
    • The typical landlord-tenant lease agreement outlines whether alterations can be made to the property.
      By: Syda Productions
      The typical landlord-tenant lease agreement outlines whether alterations can be made to the property.
    • Lease agreements may have a section regarding smoking in the building.
      By: Sanjay Deva
      Lease agreements may have a section regarding smoking in the building.