Texas PDF Templates

Texas PDF Templates

Homepage Attorney-Approved Texas Residential Lease Agreement Template

Form Example

Texas Residential Lease Agreement

This Residential Lease Agreement ("Agreement") is made and entered into this ___ day of __________, 20___, by and between:

Landlord: ______________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________
Phone Number: ______________________________________

Tenant: _______________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________
Phone Number: ______________________________________

This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of Texas.

1. Property

The Landlord hereby leases to the Tenant the residential property located at:

____________________________________________________

2. Term

The lease term will commence on the ___ day of __________, 20___, and shall continue until the ___ day of __________, 20___.

3. Rent

The Tenant agrees to pay the Landlord a monthly rent of $__________, due on the ___ day of each month. Payment is to be made by:

  • Check
  • Money Order
  • Electronic Transfer

4. Security Deposit

The Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $__________ prior to moving in. This deposit will be returned to the Tenant following the termination of this Agreement, subject to deductions for damages or unpaid rent.

5. Utilities

Tenant is responsible for the payment of the following utilities:

  • Electricity
  • Water
  • Gas
  • Internet/Cable

6. Maintenance and Repairs

The Tenant agrees to keep the property in good condition and promptly report any maintenance issues to the Landlord.

7. Alterations

The Tenant must obtain written permission from the Landlord before making any alterations or improvements to the property.

8. Termination

Either party may terminate this Agreement by providing ___ days' written notice to the other party. Upon termination, the Tenant agrees to vacate the premises and return all keys to the Landlord.

9. Governing Law

This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

10. Signatures

Landlord Signature: ________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________

Tenant Signature: _________________________________
Date: ____________________________________________

Common mistakes

  1. Not reading the entire document. Many people skip sections of the lease, missing important details that could affect their rights and responsibilities.

  2. Failing to include all tenant names. Only listing one tenant can lead to confusion about who is responsible for the lease terms.

  3. Leaving out the rental amount. Forgetting to specify the monthly rent can create disputes later on.

  4. Not specifying the lease term. Clearly stating the duration of the lease helps avoid misunderstandings regarding when the lease begins and ends.

  5. Ignoring the security deposit details. It’s important to outline the amount and conditions for returning the deposit to prevent future conflicts.

  6. Overlooking maintenance responsibilities. Clarifying who is responsible for repairs and maintenance can prevent disputes during the tenancy.

  7. Not including pet policies. If pets are allowed, it should be clearly stated along with any associated fees or deposits.

  8. Neglecting to sign and date the agreement. An unsigned lease is not legally binding, so both parties must sign and date the document.

  9. Failing to provide a copy of the lease. Tenants should receive a copy for their records, ensuring they have access to the terms agreed upon.

  10. Not discussing lease terms with all parties involved. Open communication helps ensure that everyone understands and agrees to the terms before signing.

Key takeaways

When filling out and using the Texas Residential Lease Agreement form, it's essential to keep several key points in mind to ensure a smooth leasing process. Here are some important takeaways:

  • Understand the Terms: Familiarize yourself with the key terms of the lease, including the duration, rent amount, and payment schedule. Knowing these details helps avoid misunderstandings later.
  • Complete All Sections: Ensure that every section of the lease agreement is filled out completely. Missing information can lead to disputes or complications in the future.
  • Review Rules and Regulations: Pay attention to any specific rules outlined in the lease regarding pets, maintenance, or alterations. Adhering to these rules is crucial for a harmonious landlord-tenant relationship.
  • Signatures Are Essential: Both the landlord and tenant must sign the agreement for it to be legally binding. Without signatures, the lease may not hold up in court.
  • Keep a Copy: After signing, make sure to keep a copy of the lease for your records. This document serves as a reference for both parties throughout the duration of the lease.

By keeping these points in mind, both landlords and tenants can navigate the leasing process with greater confidence and clarity.

Steps to Using Texas Residential Lease Agreement

Completing the Texas Residential Lease Agreement form is an important step in establishing a rental agreement between a landlord and tenant. This document outlines the terms and conditions of the lease, ensuring that both parties are clear on their rights and responsibilities. Follow these steps to accurately fill out the form.

  1. Begin by entering the date at the top of the form.
  2. Provide the name and address of the landlord. Ensure that this information is accurate and up-to-date.
  3. Enter the name and contact information of the tenant. This should include the tenant's full name and current address.
  4. Specify the rental property address. Include the complete address of the property being leased.
  5. Indicate the lease term. Specify whether it is a fixed-term lease or a month-to-month agreement.
  6. Fill in the rental amount. Clearly state the monthly rent due and the payment method.
  7. Include the security deposit amount. This should be clearly stated and comply with Texas regulations.
  8. Detail any additional fees or charges that may apply, such as late fees or pet deposits.
  9. Outline the maintenance responsibilities. Specify whether the landlord or tenant is responsible for repairs and maintenance.
  10. Sign and date the agreement. Both the landlord and tenant must sign the document to make it legally binding.

Once the form is completed and signed, both parties should keep a copy for their records. This ensures that everyone has access to the terms agreed upon and can refer back to them if needed.