Free Leasing Contract Template — Sign Your Lease 100% Online

Key Takeaway: A well-written lease protects both landlord and tenant. Our free template covers rent, security deposit, maintenance, pet policies, and early termination — and you can e-sign it online without printing a single page.

What Is a Leasing Contract?

A leasing contract (also called a lease agreement or rental agreement) is a legally binding document between a landlord and tenant that defines the terms of renting a property. It specifies:

• The property address and description
• The lease term (start and end dates)
• Monthly rent amount and due date
• Security deposit amount and refund conditions
• Rules about pets, guests, subletting, and modifications
• Maintenance responsibilities for both parties
• Early termination and eviction procedures

Without a written lease, disputes default to state landlord-tenant law — which may not protect your specific arrangement. A lease lets you customize the terms that matter to you.

Residential vs. Commercial Lease: Key Differences

Our template covers residential leases. For commercial leases, consult a commercial real estate attorney — the stakes and complexity are significantly higher.

What to Include in Your Lease Agreement

1. Parties and Property

• Landlord's full legal name, address, and contact info
• Tenant's full legal name and contact info
• Property address (including unit number, parking spots, storage units)
• Description of included furnishings or appliances (if any)

2. Lease Term

• Fixed-term lease: Specific start and end date (e.g., June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027)
• Month-to-month: Renews automatically until either party gives notice (typically 30 days)
• Renewal terms — does the lease auto-renew or expire?

3. Rent Details

• Monthly rent amount
• Due date (usually the 1st of each month)
• Accepted payment methods (check, bank transfer, online portal)
• Late fee policy (e.g., $50 late fee if rent is received after the 5th)
• Grace period (if any)

4. Security Deposit

• Deposit amount (most states cap this at 1-2 months' rent)
• Conditions for deductions (damage beyond normal wear and tear)
• Timeline for returning the deposit after move-out (varies by state, typically 14-30 days)

5. Rules and Policies

• Pets: Allowed or not? Pet deposit or monthly pet rent?
• Smoking: Prohibited indoors? On balconies?
• Guests: How many nights before a guest becomes an unauthorized occupant?
• Noise: Quiet hours (e.g., 10 PM – 8 AM)
• Modifications: Can the tenant paint, install shelving, or make changes?
• Subletting: Is the tenant allowed to sublet? Under what conditions?

6. Maintenance and Repairs

• Landlord responsibilities (HVAC, plumbing, structural issues, appliances)
• Tenant responsibilities (lawn care, light bulbs, minor maintenance)
• How to submit maintenance requests
• Emergency contact for urgent repairs

7. Termination

• Notice required to terminate (e.g., 60 days written notice)
• Early termination fee (typically 1-2 months' rent)
• Grounds for eviction (non-payment, lease violation, illegal activity)

How to Sign Your Lease Online with ZiaSign

Step 1: Upload the lease template to ZiaSign.

Step 2: Fill in all the fields — property address, tenant info, rent amount, terms.

Step 3: Add signature fields for the landlord and tenant.

Step 4: Send the signing link to the tenant by email. They sign from their phone or computer.

Step 5: Both parties receive a signed copy automatically. The signed document includes a timestamped audit trail.

No printing, no scanning, no meeting in person. The tenant can review and sign from anywhere — perfect for remote move-ins or out-of-state tenants.