SAMPLE RENTAL AGREEMENT - Basic / Beginning - Fixed-Term Lease, Rent, Deposits, and Fees

Sep 16, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver

Sample rental agreement outlining a fixed-term lease for a one-year tenancy that automatically converts to month-to-month unless written notice is provided in advance. Specifies base rent amount, monthly due timing, acceptable payment forms, and late-payment terms including grace period and late fees. Defines returned-check charges, security deposit handling, inspection after move-out, and limits on applying the deposit. Covers cleaning fees, landlord property removal consequences, vehicle and garage rules, utilities responsibilities, and tenant notice obligations for serious building problems and pests.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryForms

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time1 min

AccessFree to download

Fixed-Term Agreement (Lease)

Rent and Payment Terms

Security Deposit and Move-Out Deductions

Cleaning Fee, Vehicles, Utilities, and Notices

SAMPLE RENTAL AGREEMENT (Basic / Beginning) THIS AGREEMENT made this 15th Day of June, 2012, by and between ABC Properties, herein called“Landlord,” and Silvia Mando, herein called “Tenant.” Landlord hereby agrees to rent to Tenant the dwelling located at 9876 Cherry Avenue, Apartment 426 under the following terms and conditions. 1. FIXED-TERM AGREEMENT (LEASE): Tenants agree to lease this dwelling for a fixed term of one year, beginning July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2013. Upon expiration, this Agreement shall become a month-to-month agreement AUTOMATICALLY, UNLESS either Tenants or Owners notify the other party in writing at least 30 days prior to expiration that they do not wish this Agreement to continue on any basis. 2. RENT: Tenant agrees to pay Landlord as base rent the sum of $685 per month, due and payable monthly in advance on the 1st day of each month during the term of this agreement. The first month’s rent is required to be submitted on or before move-in. 3. FORM OF PAYMENT: Tenants agree to pay their rent in the form of a personal check, a cashier’s check, or a money order made out to the Landlord. 4. RENT PAYMENT PROCEDURE: Tenants agree to pay their rent by mail addressed to the Landlord at 426 Main Street, Anycity, USA, or in person at the same address, or in such other way as the Landlord will advise the Tenant in writing. 5. RENT DUE DATE: Tenant hereby acknowledges that late payment will cause Landlord to incur costs not contemplated by this Rental Agreement. We allow for a 3 day grace period. In the event rent is not received prior to the 4th of the month, Tenant agrees to pay a $25 late fee, plus an additional $5 per day for every day thereafter until the rent is paid. Neither ill health, loss of job, financial emergency, or other excuses will be accepted for late payment. 6. BAD-CHECK SERVICING CHARGE: In the event Tenant’s check is dishonored and returned unpaid for any reason to Landlord, Tenant agrees to pay a returned check charge of $25 AND accept whatever consequences there might be in making a late payment. If for any reason a check is returned or dishonored, all future rent payments will be cash or money order. 7. SECURITY DEPOSIT: Tenants hereby agree to pay a security deposit of $685 to be refunded upon vacating, returning the keys to the Landlord and termination of this contract according to other terms herein agreed. This deposit will beheld to cover any possible damage to the property. No interest will be paid on this money and in no case will it be applied to back or future rent. It will be held intact by Landlord until at least thirty (30) working days after Tenants have vacated the property. At that time Landlord will inspect the premises thoroughly and assess any damages and/or needed repairs. This deposit money minus any necessary charges for missing/dead light bulbs, repairs, cleaning, etc., will then be returned to Tenant with a written explanation of deductions, within 60 days after they have vacated the property. Teacher Resources [for Consumer.gov | Developed for the](for Consumer.gov | Developed for the) FTC by the Center for Applied Linguistics 8. CLEANING FEE Tenant hereby agrees to accept property in its present state of cleanliness. They agree to return the property in the same condition or pay a $200.00 minimum cleaning fee if the Landlord has to have the property professionally cleaned. 9. REMOVAL OF LANDLORD’S PROPERTY: If anyone removes any property belonging to Landlord without the express written consent of the Landlord, this will constitute abandonment and surrender of the premises by Tenant and termination by them of this Rental Agreement. Landlord may also take further legal action. 10. VEHICLES & GARAGE USE: Tenants agree to keep a maximum of 1 vehicle on premises or in the garage. These vehicles must be both operable and currently licensed. Tenants agree to park their vehicles in assigned spaces and to keep those spa

FAQs

How does the fixed-term lease work and when does it change to month-to-month?

The tenant leases the dwelling for one year, beginning July 1, 2012 and ending June 30, 2013. After expiration, it becomes month-to-month automatically unless written notice is given at least 30 days before expiration.

What are the rent payment and late-payment requirements?

Base rent is due monthly in advance on the 1st day of each month, with the first month due on or before move-in. A 3-day grace period applies; after the 4th day, the tenant pays a $25 late fee plus $5 per day for each additional day until paid.

How is the security deposit handled and refunded after moving out?

The security deposit equals one month’s base rent ($685) and is used to cover potential damage. No interest is paid, and it is not applied to back or future rent. It is held intact by the landlord until at least 30 working days after the tenant vacates, then returned minus deductions with a written explanation within 60 days.

Sep 16, 2026

Uploaded by Oliver