Free residential lease agreement (US) template
A fixed-term residential lease agreement for US landlords and tenants, covering rent, late fees, security deposit, utilities, pets, repairs, entry, renters insurance and the lead-based paint disclosure. Sample lease included.
What's in this template
Residential lease agreement
Starting point, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant law is set by each state and some cities, including limits on security deposits and late fees, deposit return deadlines, notice before entry and required disclosures. Check your state's rules, or have a local attorney review this lease, before you sign. Delete this note before use.
| Landlord | Oakridge Residential LLC | Tenants | Ethan Caldwell and Sofia Ramirez |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property | 418 Glenwood Avenue, Apt 2B, Raleigh, NC 27605 | Term | November 1, 2026 to October 31, 2027 |
| Monthly rent | $1,850.00 | Security deposit | $1,850.00 |
This Residential Lease Agreement (the "Lease") is made on October 12, 2026 between Oakridge Residential LLC (the "Landlord") and Ethan Caldwell and Sofia Ramirez (together, the "Tenant"). Each tenant who signs is jointly and severally responsible for all obligations under this Lease.
1. Property
The Landlord leases to the Tenant the residential property at 418 Glenwood Avenue, Apt 2B, Raleigh, NC 27605 (the "Property"), including one assigned parking space, storage unit 2B and the appliances listed in Section 18.
2. Term
The Lease begins on November 1, 2026 and ends on October 31, 2027. If the Tenant stays after the end date with the Landlord's consent and no new lease is signed, the tenancy continues month to month on the same terms, and either party may end it with 30 days' written notice.
3. Rent
- Monthly rent: $1,850.00, due in advance on the 1st day of each month
- Payment method: the Landlord's online resident portal
- Returned payments: a fee of $25 applies to any dishonored check or reversed payment, as permitted by law
4. Late fee
Rent not received by the end of the 5th day of the month is late, and a late fee of $75 is due. The late fee will not exceed the amount allowed by state law.
5. Security deposit
The Tenant has paid a security deposit of $1,850.00. The Landlord will hold it in a trust account at First Carolina Bank as required by state law and, within the period the law requires after the Tenant moves out, return it with an itemized list of any deductions for unpaid rent, unpaid charges or damage beyond normal wear and tear. The deposit may not be used by the Tenant as the last month's rent.
6. Utilities and services
- Tenant pays: electricity, gas and internet
- Landlord pays: water, sewer, trash collection and landscaping
7. Occupants
Only the Tenant may live at the Property. Guests may stay no more than 14 days in any six-month period without the Landlord's written consent.
8. Pets
The Tenant may keep one cat, with a pet deposit of $300 and pet rent of $25 a month. No other pets are allowed without the Landlord's written consent. Service and assistance animals are not pets and are allowed as required by fair housing law.
9. Use and conduct
The Tenant will use the Property only as a private residence, will follow all laws and the building rules, and will not disturb neighbors. Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere on the Property.
10. Maintenance and repairs
The Landlord will keep the Property fit to live in and make necessary repairs within a reasonable time after notice. The Tenant will keep the Property clean, replace light bulbs and HVAC filters, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors monthly, and promptly report in writing any leak, damage or needed repair. The Tenant will pay for damage caused by the Tenant or guests, other than normal wear and tear.
11. Alterations
The Tenant will not paint, change locks, install fixtures or make other alterations without the Landlord's written consent.
12. Landlord's entry
The Landlord may enter the Property at reasonable times to inspect, make repairs or show it to prospective tenants or buyers, after giving at least 24 hours' notice, or the longer notice state law requires. The Landlord may enter without notice in an emergency.
13. Subletting and assignment
The Tenant will not sublet the Property or assign this Lease without the Landlord's written consent.
14. Renters insurance
The Tenant must carry renters insurance with at least $100,000 of liability coverage for the whole term. The Landlord's insurance does not cover the Tenant's belongings.
15. Ending the Lease and moving out
The Tenant will give at least 30 days' written notice before moving out at the end of the term. On moving out, the Tenant will return all keys and leave the Property clean and in the same condition as at move-in, normal wear and tear excepted. The Tenant may end the Lease early by giving 60 days' notice and paying an early termination fee of $1,850, unless state law provides otherwise.
16. Default
If the Tenant fails to pay rent or breaks another term of this Lease, the Landlord may end the tenancy and seek possession only as allowed by state law, after giving any notice the law requires.
17. Disclosures
- Lead-based paint: the building was constructed in 1968. As federal law requires for housing built before 1978, the Landlord has given the Tenant the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home" and a signed lead-based paint disclosure, attached as Addendum A.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: working detectors were tested at move-in on October 30, 2026.
18. Included appliances and furnishings
Refrigerator, electric range, dishwasher, microwave, stacked washer and dryer, and window blinds.
19. General terms
This Lease is governed by the laws of the State of North Carolina. If any part of it is found unenforceable, the rest remains in effect. This Lease and its addenda are the entire agreement between the parties, and any change must be in writing and signed by both. Notices must be in writing and delivered to the addresses below or by email.
Signatures
| Party | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord: Oakridge Residential LLC, by Gregory Hale, Managing Member. 2300 Wake Forest Road, Raleigh, NC 27608. leasing@oakridgeres.example | ____________________ | __________ |
| Tenant: Ethan Caldwell. (919) 555-0148. ethan.caldwell@email.com | ____________________ | __________ |
| Tenant: Sofia Ramirez. (919) 555-0193. sofia.ramirez@email.com | ____________________ | __________ |
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