| 1. Premises |
Full address, unit number, included spaces (storage, parking) |
Defines exactly what the tenant is renting |
| 2. Lease Term |
Start date, end date, renewal terms |
Sets the duration and what happens at expiration |
| 3. Rent |
Amount, due date, payment method, where to pay |
Eliminates disputes over payment expectations |
| 4. Late Fees |
Grace period, fee amount, returned check fee |
Must comply with state caps; incentivizes on-time payment |
| 5. Security Deposit |
Amount, holding method, return timeline, deduction rules |
Most litigated section; must comply with state maximums |
| 6. Utilities |
Which utilities landlord vs tenant pays |
Prevents billing disputes and service interruptions |
| 7. Occupancy |
Authorized occupants, guest policy, max occupancy |
Controls who lives in the unit; fire code compliance |
| 8. Pets |
Allowed/not allowed, pet deposit, breed/weight restrictions |
Must exempt service/emotional support animals per FHA |
| 9. Maintenance |
Landlord vs tenant responsibilities, repair request process |
Defines who fixes what; habitability obligations |
| 10. Use of Premises |
Residential only, no illegal activity, noise rules |
Protects property value and neighbor relations |
| 11. Entry by Landlord |
Notice required, permitted reasons, emergency exceptions |
State-mandated notice periods (typically 24-48 hours) |
| 12. Subletting |
Whether subletting is permitted, conditions for approval |
Controls who actually occupies the unit |
| 13. Insurance |
Renter's insurance required/recommended, liability minimums |
Protects tenant's belongings and landlord's liability |
| 14. Parking |
Assigned spaces, vehicle restrictions, guest parking |
Prevents disputes in multi-unit properties |
| 15. Move-In/Move-Out |
Inspection procedures, cleaning standards, key return |
Documents condition; basis for deposit deductions |
| 16. Termination |
Fixed-term end, early termination penalty, notice periods |
State-specific notice requirements must be followed |
| 17. Default and Remedies |
Non-payment procedures, cure periods, eviction process |
Must follow state eviction laws exactly |
| 18. Disclosures |
Lead paint, mold, radon, bed bugs, flood zone (state-specific) |
Failure to disclose = legal liability for landlord |
| 19. General Provisions |
Entire agreement, severability, governing law, notices |
Standard legal protections for both parties |
| 20. Additional Terms |
Custom provisions specific to the property or arrangement |
Catches anything not covered by standard sections |