What this form is for
This form establishes a legally binding rental agreement between a property owner (landlord) and a tenant for a fixed period. Small-business owners use it when renting commercial space or when leasing residential property as part of their real estate investment portfolio.
Before you start
- Property address with full legal description and unit number if applicable
- Monthly rent amount, payment due date, and accepted payment methods
- Security deposit amount and any additional fees (pet deposit, parking, utilities)
- Lease term dates including start date and end date (month, day, year)
- Property condition documentation including photos and any existing damage notes
- State-specific landlord-tenant laws for your jurisdiction (you must select your governing state before completing this form as requirements vary significantly)
- Insurance requirements for both parties and certificate of insurance if required
Step-by-step
1. Fill in the lease date at the top and the full legal names and current addresses of all parties. If multiple tenants will occupy the space, list every adult who will sign.
2. Enter the complete property address being leased including unit number, city, county, state, and zip code.
3. Specify the lease term by entering the exact start date and end date. Calculate the total number of months or days to confirm accuracy.
4. Record the monthly rent amount in both numbers and written words. State the due date each month and specify where and how rent must be paid (check, transfer, online portal).
5. Enter the security deposit amount and note which state trust account regulations apply. Document the timeframe for return after lease termination.
6. Complete the utilities and services section by checking which items the landlord covers versus tenant responsibility (water, electric, gas, trash, internet, lawn care).
7. List any property rules, restrictions, or special conditions including pet policies, noise ordinances, subletting prohibitions, and maintenance responsibilities.
8. Review and complete addendums for parking assignments, storage units, appliances included, or lead paint disclosures if the property was built before 1978.
9. Sign and date in the designated signature blocks. All parties must initial each page and sign the final page. Provide copies to every signing party.
What lenders look for
- Banks reviewing your business financials want to see lease terms that match your loan repayment period and rental income that covers at least 125 percent of any mortgage payment on that property.
- Keep fully executed copies with original signatures in your loan application package. Missing signatures, blank fields, or handwritten cross-outs without initials are red flags that delay approval.
- Underwriters verify that security deposits are held in compliant accounts separate from operating funds, so document your trust account details and never commingle these funds with business income.