Basic Rental Agreement Template (Apartment or House)
Create a simple rental agreement for an apartment or house in minutes. Set the rent, deposit, term and rules, then generate and download as PDF or Word.
A basic rental agreement template you can customize and download in minutes
A rental agreement is the contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets out the rent, the term, and the rules for renting a home. This basic rental agreement template is a clear, beginner-friendly form for renting an apartment or house; ideal for first-time landlords and tenants who want a straightforward, plain-English lease without complicated legal jargon.
Just answer a few simple questions; who the landlord and tenant are, the property address, the rent and deposit, the lease dates, and the house rules — and your personalized rental agreement is generated instantly, ready to download as PDF or Word.
What this rental agreement covers
A fixed-term lease that automatically converts to a month-to-month agreement at the end of the term unless either party gives notice
The monthly rent, when it's due, the accepted forms of payment, and where to send it
A grace period and late fee, plus a returned-check (bad-check) charge
A refundable security deposit, with clear rules on how and when it's returned
A cleaning fee, a vehicle/parking rule, and a utilities split (which bills the landlord pays and which the tenant pays)
A duty to report serious building problems early (leaks, cracks, termites)
A pet policy with an optional monthly pet-rent charge
A full-disclosure acknowledgement and a simple signing block for the tenant and landlord
How to create your rental agreement
Open the template and click Generate.
Answer the guided questions — the parties, the property, the rent and deposit, the lease dates, and the fees.
Generate the document — your details are merged into the agreement automatically.
Review and download as PDF or Word, then have the tenant and landlord sign.
Who is this rental agreement for?
Private landlords renting out a single apartment, condo, or house; tenants who want everything in writing before moving in; and anyone who needs a clean, easy-to-read lease to start a rental on the right foot. Every amount, fee and date is a fill-in field, so you can tailor it to your property and local expectations.
Disclaimer: This template is provided for convenience and general information only and is not legal advice. Landlord–tenant law — including security-deposit limits, deposit-return deadlines, late-fee caps and required disclosures — varies widely by state, province and city. For high-value rentals or disputes, have the final agreement reviewed by a qualified lawyer before signing.
- Professional formatting and layout
- Easy customization with guided questions
- Multiple export formats: pdf, docx
- Legally reviewed and compliant
- Instant download after generation
What is a rental agreement?
A rental agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that sets out the terms for renting a property — the rent amount and due date, the length of the tenancy, the security deposit, and each party's rights and responsibilities. Once both parties sign, it governs the rental relationship.
What's the difference between a fixed-term lease and a month-to-month agreement?
A fixed-term lease runs for a set period; for example, one year; during which the terms don't change. A month-to-month agreement renews automatically each month until either party gives notice. This template starts as a fixed-term lease and then automatically becomes month-to-month when the term ends, unless either the landlord or tenant gives written notice (for example, 30 days) that they don't want it to continue
How much is the security deposit, and when is it returned?
You set the deposit amount when you generate the document (often equal to one month's rent). Under this template, the landlord holds it to cover possible damage, inspects the property after the tenant vacates, and returns the deposit; minus any charges for repairs, cleaning or missing items — with a written explanation of deductions, within the number of days you specify. The deposit can't be applied to unpaid rent, and no interest is paid on it.
What happens if the tenant pays rent late?
The template includes a short grace period. If rent isn't received by the specified day of the month, a late fee applies, plus an additional daily charge for every day the rent remains unpaid. There's also a returned-check charge if a payment bounces, after which the landlord may require future rent to be paid by cash or money order.
Who pays for utilities?
This template splits utilities: the landlord typically covers water, sewer, and garbage/trash disposal, while the tenant pays for electricity, gas, heating, telephone, and any other services not listed as the landlord's responsibility. You can adjust the split to match your property before signing.
Does this rental agreement allow pets?
Pets are allowed only with the landlord's written permission, and a monthly pet-rent charge applies when permission is granted. Service animals for people with disabilities are not treated as "pets", but the landlord should still be notified in writing. The agreement also sets basic expectations around clean-up, supervision and nuisance behavior.
Is this rental agreement legally binding, and can I use it anywhere?
Yes; once the landlord and tenant sign, it's a binding contract. This is a general-purpose U.S.-style form, so bear in mind that landlord–tenant rules (deposit limits, return deadlines, late-fee caps, required disclosures) vary by state and city. For anything high-value or contentious, have it reviewed by a local attorney first.
How do I create and download my rental agreement?
Open the template, click Generate, and answer the guided questions about the parties, the property, the rent and deposit, the lease dates and the fees. Your details are merged into the agreement automatically, and you can review and download the finished agreement as a PDF or Word document, ready to sign.