FAQs

• How to write a simple rental lease agreement?

  Typically, a simple rental lease agreement starts by identifying the landlord and tenant, the property address, and the term of the lease (e.g., one year or month-to-month). The rent amount, due date, and security deposit terms must be clearly stated. Using a Docusign template is the easiest way to ensure you include these essentials while keeping the language simple and the signing process entirely digital.

• What are 5 things that should usually be included in a lease?

  Every valid lease agreement will typically include these five critical elements:
  - Names of all occupants: Ensuring every adult living in the unit is legally responsible.
  - Rent and Deposits: Clear totals for monthly rent, security deposits, and any non-refundable fees.
  - Maintenance Responsibilities: Who is responsible for repairs, yard work, and trash removal.
  - Restrictions: Policies on pets, smoking, subletting, and home businesses.
  - Right of Entry: The notice period the landlord must provide before entering the property.

• What is the difference between a lease and a rental agreement?

  While often used interchangeably, a "lease" usually refers to a long-term contract (typically 12 months), whereas a "rental agreement" often refers to a short-term or month-to-month arrangement. Docusign offers templates for both scenarios, allowing you to switch between fixed-term stability and month-to-month flexibility as needed.

• Can a lease agreement be signed electronically?

  Yes. Under the ESIGN Act and UETA in the United States, electronic signatures are legally binding for residential and commercial lease agreements. Docusign provides a secure "Audit Trail" that tracks exactly when and where the document was signed, offering more security than a traditional paper-and-ink signature.

• Is a handwritten lease agreement legally binding?

  A handwritten lease can be legally binding if it contains all the necessary legal elements (offer, acceptance, and consideration). However, handwritten documents are prone to ambiguity and are easily lost. Transitioning to a digital template ensures that the document is legible, professional, and safely stored in the cloud for both parties to access.

• Can I use these templates for commercial properties?

  Yes. Docusign offers specialized templates for commercial, industrial, and retail leases. These versions include industry-specific clauses such as CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charges, percentage rent, and build-out allowances that are not typically found in residential agreements.