What should a tenancy agreement include?

Who the landlord and tenants are, the address, the start date and any end date, the rent and when it’s due, the deposit, who pays which bills, who repairs what, and how either side can end it.

Is a tenancy agreement valid without a lawyer?

In many countries a signed written agreement is valid without a lawyer, but the rules differ. Tenancy law can override what an agreement says, so have a local lawyer check it if the rent is high or the terms are unusual.

Can rent be paid months in advance?

Yes. Choose 2, 3, 6 or 12 months, or any other number, and whether that happens every time or once at the start. The agreement then sets out the amount and when it’s due. Some places limit this, including England, so check your local rules.

Does the tenancy agreement need witnesses?

It depends on the country and the length of the tenancy. The template has witness lines, so you have them if you need them.

Can I change the wording?

Yes. Download the Word copy and change any clause. Don’t remove rights the law gives the tenant, because those clauses usually won’t be enforceable.

Free tool

Tenancy agreement template

Fill in your details and download a rental agreement as PDF or Word, ready to sign. Nothing you enter leaves your browser.

This is a general template, not legal advice, and we’re not lawyers. Tenancy law differs by country and overrides what an agreement says, so check it against your local rules. In England, use our England version, because fixed end dates are no longer allowed. It isn’t suitable for Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, which have their own rules.

Landlord’s full nameOne name per line if there’s more than one.Landlord’s address for noticesLandlord’s phone or email, optionalTenant’s full nameOne name per line. Include every adult tenant.Address of the property

How long does it last?

Fixed datesRolling, until notice

Start dateEnd date

Currency

Rent (USD)Rent is paid eachRent is due on theSuch as 1st, or Friday.Deposit (USD)Leave blank if there’s no deposit.

Rent paid in advance

Some places limit how much rent can be taken in advance, so check your local rules.

How rent is paid, optionalSuch as bank transfer or mobile money, with the account details.Bills included in the rent, optionalBills the tenant pays directly, optionalFurniture and appliances included, optionalPetsOther terms, optionalOne per line, such as parking or a garden.

Word lets you change any clause. Blank lines can be filled in by hand. Read the whole agreement before anyone signs.

Tenancy Agreement

Landlord: ____________________

Tenant: ____________________

1. The Property and who lives there

The Landlord lets ____________________ ("the Property") to the Tenant as a private home.

2. How long it lasts

This agreement starts on ____________________ and ends on ____________________.

3. Rent

The rent is USD ____________________ for each month. It is due on the 1st of each month.

The Landlord will give a receipt for any rent paid in cash.

4. Deposit

No deposit is payable.

5. Bills

The rent does not include any bills.

The Tenant pays all other bills for the Property directly.

6. What the Tenant agrees to do

Pay the rent on time.

Keep the Property clean and in good condition, and report any damage or needed repairs promptly.

Pay for any damage caused by the Tenant or their guests, apart from fair wear and tear.

Not cause a nuisance to neighbours, and not use the Property for anything illegal.

Not make changes to the Property, or pass on or sublet any of it, without the Landlord’s written consent.

7. What the Landlord agrees to do

Keep the structure, roof, plumbing, electrics and any supplied appliances in good repair, and carry out repairs within a reasonable time after being told about them.

Let the Tenant live in the Property peacefully.

Give at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering, except in an emergency.

8. Pets

The Tenant may keep a pet only with the Landlord’s written consent, which will not be unreasonably refused.

9. Ending this agreement

This agreement ends on the end date above unless both sides agree in writing to extend it or end it sooner.

If the Tenant seriously breaks this agreement, for example by not paying rent, the Landlord will give written notice and a reasonable time to put it right before taking any further step allowed by law.

When this agreement ends, the Tenant will leave the Property clean and in the same condition as at the start, apart from fair wear and tear, and return all keys.

10. Notices

Notices to the Landlord go to ____________________.

Notices to the Tenant go to the Property.

11. The law

This agreement is the whole agreement between the Landlord and the Tenant, and any change must be in writing and signed by both. It is governed by the law of the country where the Property is. If any term conflicts with that law, the law applies and the other terms stay in force.

Signatures

Landlord: Landlord

Signature: __________________ Date: ____________

Witness name and signature: __________________

Tenant: Tenant

Signature: __________________ Date: ____________

Witness name and signature: __________________

Versions by country

Questions

What should a tenancy agreement include?: Who the landlord and tenants are, the address, the start date and any end date, the rent and when it’s due, the deposit, who pays which bills, who repairs what, and how either side can end it.
Is a tenancy agreement valid without a lawyer?: In many countries a signed written agreement is valid without a lawyer, but the rules differ. Tenancy law can override what an agreement says, so have a local lawyer check it if the rent is high or the terms are unusual.
Can rent be paid months in advance?: Yes. Choose 2, 3, 6 or 12 months, or any other number, and whether that happens every time or once at the start. The agreement then sets out the amount and when it’s due. Some places limit this, including England, so check your local rules.
Does the tenancy agreement need witnesses?: It depends on the country and the length of the tenancy. The template has witness lines, so you have them if you need them.
Can I change the wording?: Yes. Download the Word copy and change any clause. Don’t remove rights the law gives the tenant, because those clauses usually won’t be enforceable.

Setting the rent? See what tenants can afford, or make a rent receipt. Letting several properties? We build websites.