Downloads / Lease checklist
Lease checklist (printable)
Use this as an operational checklist — not a lease form and not legal advice. Local disclosure and deposit rules vary; confirm requirements for your property’s jurisdiction.
Tip: use your browser’s Print → Save as PDF for a paper copy.
Before you draft or send a lease
- Confirm legal ownership / authority to lease the unit
- Verify unit address, unit number, and included parking/storage
- Decide lease start/end dates (or month-to-month terms) and notice rules you will use
- Set rent amount, due date, grace period, and late-fee policy consistent with your lease and local law
- Decide security deposit amount and where it will be held (follow your state’s rules)
- List utilities and services tenant pays vs landlord pays
- List appliances and fixtures included with the unit
- Prepare rental criteria and application requirements you actually enforce
- Complete screening workflow and keep adverse-action steps separate if you deny
- Schedule move-in inspection and photo plan
Lease package contents to double-check
- Named tenants and all adult occupants
- Pet, smoking, and guest policies (or “none” stated clearly)
- Maintenance and repair reporting procedure
- Entry / notice language that matches your practice
- Early termination and holdover language (if used)
- Addenda: lead paint (if required), mold/HOA/parking as applicable
- Any state- or city-required disclosures attached
- Signatures/initials pages complete for landlord and each adult tenant
Signing day
- Identity check for signers matches application
- Collect first month’s rent and deposit per the lease (receipt issued)
- Deliver keys/fobs/garage remotes with a written inventory
- Provide emergency contact and maintenance reporting path
- Confirm insurance requirement (if lease requires renter’s insurance) and proof deadline
- Store fully executed PDF in the property file the same day
First week follow-through
- Complete move-in inspection with photos; get tenant acknowledgment if your process uses one
- Invite tenant to the portal (or confirm preferred contact method)
- Log rent due schedule / autopay preference if offered
- Note utility transfer confirmation from tenant where required
- Calendar lease end / renewal reminder 60–90 days out
Related: Tenant welcome packet template · Move-in inspection checklist · RentalNoodle pricing