Guide · For owners
Writing a Clear Lease
A friendly, practical guide for owners to writing a lease in plain language, covering the key terms, useful addenda, local rules, and reviewing it together before anyone signs.
Where to start
- Writing a new lease?
Work through the clear lease checklist, one line at a time.
- About to sign as a resident?
Read every page first. See for residents: before you sign.
- A lease question came up?
Take a breath. Most are simple misunderstandings. See if a lease question comes up.
The short version
A clear lease is one of the kindest things an owner can offer.
Use plain language, cover the essentials, and include every required disclosure.
Review the lease together, answer every question, and put all promises and changes in writing.
Residents: read every word, never sign with blanks, and keep a signed copy.
Lease rules differ from place to place, so we’d gently encourage having a local attorney review your form. If you ever have questions, we would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Use plain language
Write the way you would explain it across the kitchen table.
- 2Cover the essentials
Rent, deposit, dates, repairs, entry, rules and move-out should all be clear.
- 3Follow local law
Leases must follow the rules where the home is. Unlawful terms usually don’t hold up.
- 4Review it together
Walk through the lease with the resident and answer every question before signing.
Clear lease checklist
From the guide’s own checklist. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your lease may need others.
All done. That is a lease both sides can read and trust.
For residents: before you sign
From the guide. Tick each one before signing day. These are examples; your lease may need others.
All done. You know what you are signing.
If a lease question comes up later
- Take a breath. Most lease questions are simple misunderstandings.
- Open the lease and read the clause together. If it’s clear, it gives you an agreed answer.
- If it isn’t clear, talk it through kindly and put whatever you agree on in writing. Then note the clause, so the next lease says it more plainly.
- If you can’t agree, a local landlord or tenant association, a mediation service or an attorney in your area can help.
You’re doing exactly the right thing.
Guides that go well with this one
How much do you remember?
4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.
Go deeper with The Perfect Rental Owner Checklist Workbook
Simple, step by step checklists you can write in for owners who rent out a home: contractors, insurance, fair pricing, records, showings and more.
Keep the full guide handy
The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.
Download the PDFTake it with you
- The Perfect Rental Owner Checklist WorkbookA fillable workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
More guides
This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal advice. Please have a local attorney review your lease. Bunklow does not provide lease forms or legal review.