A complete lease should include: tenant and landlord information, property address, lease term and rent amount, security deposit amount and conditions, late fee policy, maintenance responsibilities, pet policy, utility responsibility, occupancy limits, and early termination terms. Use a Texas-specific lease form (TAA or TREC) for legal compliance.
Essential Lease Components (Rent, Term, Deposit, Parties)
Every lease needs the basics: full names of all tenants and the landlord, the property address, the lease start and end dates, the monthly rent amount and due date, and the security deposit amount. Include how rent should be paid and any grace period before late fees apply.
Texas-Specific Requirements (TAA Lease, Security Deposit Rules)
Texas has specific rules for security deposits: they must be returned within 30 days of move-out with an itemized list of deductions. The Texas Apartment Association (TAA) lease is the most widely used form and is designed to comply with Texas law. TREC also offers lease forms for property managers.
Pet and Occupancy Policies
Clearly state whether pets are allowed, any pet deposits or fees, and any restrictions on breed or size. Include occupancy limits that specify who can live in the unit and any rules about guests and subletting.
Maintenance and Repairs (Who Handles What)
Specify which repairs the landlord handles (major systems, appliances, structural) and which the tenant is responsible for (minor maintenance, light bulbs, yard care if applicable). Include the process for reporting maintenance issues and the landlord's response time obligations.
Early Termination and Renewal
Include terms for renewing the lease, early termination penalties, and notice periods for both parties. In Texas, month-to-month leases typically require 30 days notice to terminate.
Common Lease Mistakes
Common mistakes include: using a generic online lease that doesn't comply with Texas law, forgetting to include the utility responsibility clause, not specifying late fee amounts, and leaving out the security deposit return process. Always have a real estate attorney review your lease form.