{"id":369257,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/standard-lease-provisions.html"},"modified":"2023-09-06T12:12:45","modified_gmt":"2023-09-06T17:12:45","slug":"standard-lease-provisions","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/standard-lease-provisions.html","title":{"rendered":"Standard Lease Provisions"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Standard Lease Provisions<\/h1>\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Residential lease agreements are essential to renting an apartment or a house. These agreements protect the landlord and the renter alike. While a standard lease agreement is a binding contract between tenant and landlord, templates cannot replace a document that a real estate attorney<\/a> drafted.<\/p>\r\n

Lease agreements help to avoid or settle legal disputes during the tenancy period. There are no restrictions on the length of time a lease may cover. Short-term tenancies and long-term tenancies need leases.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides a snapshot of standard lease provisions and some unenforceable lease provisions if you’re renting out your property.<\/p>\r\n

Understanding Residential Lease Agreements<\/h2>\r\n

Once you approve your prospective tenant’s rental application, the next step in the leasing process is to sign a residential lease agreement. Lease agreements outline the rights and responsibilities of all parties to the lease. For example, the tenant must pay rent, and the landlord must maintain common areas and make necessary repairs.<\/p>\r\n

Many landlords have a standard lease. You should review your lease structure to ensure it follows federal law, state law, and local ordinances. For example, under federal law, landlords must disclose the use of lead-based paint<\/a> in buildings constructed before 1978.<\/p>\r\n

Common Lease Provisions<\/h2>\r\n

Standard lease provisions that set forth landlord and tenant rights and obligations include the following clauses:<\/p>\r\n