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Lease Agreement Generator — State-Specific Rental Lease

Create a professional lease agreement with your state's required disclosures. Download clean PDF for $9.99.

A residential lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that governs the rental of a property for a fixed term, typically 12 months. Our generator produces a state-compliant lease that includes all required disclosures — from lead-based paint notices to security deposit limits and habitability clauses. Whether you manage a single-family home, a multi-unit building, or a portfolio of rentals, this template covers rent payment terms, late fees, occupancy limits, pet rules, maintenance responsibilities, and tenant default remedies. Built by attorneys, customized to your state's landlord-tenant law, and delivered as a clean PDF ready to sign. No subscriptions, no hidden fees — just a one-time $9.99 payment per lease.

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Why StubFast?

  • State-specific disclosures automatically included — lead paint, mold, megan's law, and security deposit notices for all 50 states
  • Customizable security deposit terms with state-mandated limits and return deadlines built in
  • Pet clauses, smoking restrictions, and occupant limits clearly defined to protect your property
  • Late fee schedule and grace period that complies with your state's maximum allowable charges
  • Clean, attorney-drafted PDF formatting — no watermarks, no subscription, no recurring charges

Common Use Cases

  • First-time landlord renting out a single property and needing a legally sound lease
  • Property management companies standardizing leases across a portfolio of rentals
  • Multi-unit apartment building owners needing consistent terms for every tenant
  • Single-family home rentals where the owner wants a professional document without hiring a lawyer
  • House hackers and accidental landlords converting a former primary residence to a rental
  • Real estate investors closing on a new rental and needing a lease for incoming tenants

What is a Residential Lease Agreement?

A residential lease is a fixed-term contract — most commonly 12 months — between a landlord and a tenant that locks in the rent, the move-in date, and every house rule for the entire term. Once both parties sign, neither side can unilaterally change the terms until the lease expires. That stability is exactly why lenders, insurers, and serious tenants prefer a lease over a month-to-month arrangement.

What Must Be Included by Law

Every state requires certain disclosures in a residential lease. Federal law on top of that requires a lead-based paint disclosure for any rental built before 1978. Our generator pulls in the right combination for your state automatically — including security deposit limits, mold notices, Megan's Law disclosures where required, and the maximum late fee allowed under local consumer protection statutes.

Lease vs. Month-to-Month Rental Agreement

The two are not interchangeable. A lease is a fixed-term commitment that protects both parties against sudden change — the tenant cannot be evicted without cause, and the landlord cannot raise rent until renewal. A month-to-month rental agreement gives both sides 30-day flexibility but exposes the tenant to rent hikes or non-renewal at any time. Choose a lease when you want stability; choose month-to-month when you want options.

Security Deposits and State Caps

Security deposit rules vary dramatically. California caps unfurnished-unit deposits at two months of rent, while Texas has no statutory cap at all. Most states also require landlords to return the deposit within a specific window (14 to 30 days) with an itemized statement of any deductions. Our generator builds these timelines and caps directly into your lease so you do not accidentally write an unenforceable clause.

How to Use This Generator

Fill in the landlord, tenant, property, rent, deposit, and house rules over a few short steps. You will see a live preview at each stage. When the lease looks right, pay a one-time $9.99 to download the clean, watermark-free PDF. Both parties sign, keep a copy, and you are done — no subscription, no per-page upcharges, no signup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this lease agreement legally binding in my state?
Yes. Our generator pulls in your state's specific landlord-tenant law requirements — including security deposit limits, required disclosures (lead paint, mold, megan's law where applicable), notice periods, and late fee caps. Once signed by both parties, it is a fully enforceable contract under your state's law.
What is the difference between a lease and a rental agreement?
A lease agreement is for a fixed term — usually 12 months — and the terms cannot change until it expires. A rental agreement is typically month-to-month, automatically renewing, and either party can terminate with proper notice (usually 30 days). If you want long-term tenant stability, use a lease. If you want flexibility, use a rental agreement.
How much security deposit can I legally charge?
Security deposit limits vary by state. Most states cap deposits at 1-2 months of rent. For example, California allows up to 2 months for unfurnished units, while Texas has no statutory cap. Our generator pulls in the legal limit for your selected state and warns you if you exceed it.
Can I include a pet deposit in addition to the security deposit?
In most states, yes — but some states (like California) count pet deposits toward the overall security deposit cap. We'll flag this for you based on the state you select. Service animals and emotional support animals cannot legally be charged a pet deposit under federal Fair Housing law.
Do I need to notarize a residential lease agreement?
No. Residential leases do not require notarization to be legally binding. A signature from both the Landlord and Tenant is sufficient. Notarization is typically only required for leases longer than 12 months in a few states (like Ohio) — our generator will alert you if your state requires it.
What happens after the fixed lease term ends?
Unless your lease includes an automatic renewal clause, the tenancy converts to month-to-month after the term ends. The Tenant can stay under the same terms until either party gives proper notice to terminate (usually 30 days). To lock in another fixed term, both parties must sign a new lease or a renewal addendum.

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Lease Agreement by State

Every state has its own landlord-tenant rules. Pick yours below to load the state-specific lease with the correct disclosures, security deposit cap, and notice period built in.

Related Documents

Documents commonly used alongside a residential lease.