Using the English language

Legal documents are usually written by lawyers. However, many legal documents must be read and understood by non-lawyers. Most people who rent a home or apartment sign a written rental agreement or lease. Some of the words in the agreement may be unfamiliar or used in a different way than in conversation. What words are new or unfamiliar in this agreement?

Sample Rental Agreement

Parties: This agreement is between John Jones, Landlord, and Becky Thatcher, Tenant.

Property: The Landlord leases the following property to tenant: Apt. 2 of Hannibal Gardens Apartments, 123 Twain Street.

Term: This rental agreement is for a term of 12 months, beginning June 1, 1998, and ending May 31, 1999. If the tenant remains beyond the term of this agreement, the tenancy will continue month-to-month. During the month-to-month tenancy, either party may terminate the agreement upon 20 days written notice to the other party.

Rent: The monthly rental shall be $500 per month, due and payable on the first of the month. A late charge of $5 per day will apply to each payment not received by the tenth of the month.

Deposit: Landlord acknowledges receipt of $1,400 payment from Tenant which represents rent for the first and last months of this agreement and payment of a $400 damage deposit. Upon full compliance with the terms of this agreement, $300 of the damage deposit will be refunded to Tenant. $100 will be retained by the Landlord as a non-refundable cleaning deposit.

Utilities: Tenant shall pay all utilities, with the exception of water, which will be furnished by the Landlord. Tenant's obligations: Tenant shall: (1) Keep the premises in a clean and sanitary condition; (2) Properly dispose of rubbish and garbage; (3) Not intentionally or negligently destroy, deface, damage, or remove any part of the premises; (4) Be liable for any damage to the premises other than normal wear and tear. Landlord's obligations: Landlord shall: (1) Maintain all structural components in good repair; (2) Keep common areas reasonably clean and safe from defects; (3) Control infestation of insects, except where caused by Tenant, and provide trash receptacles; (4) Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating and other appliances supplied by Landlord in reasonably good working order.

Access: Landlord has the right to access the premises for the purpose of inspection, repairs, or to show the premises to prospective purchasers or tenants. Landlord shall give tenant at least 48 hours advance notice before entering to make repairs or inspect; and 24 hours for the purpose of showing the premises to prospective purchasers or tenants. Landlord shall not need to give advance notice before entering in case of an emergency.

Dated: May 12, 1998

Signed: Landlord:______________________ Tenant:__________________________


Fill in the missing words

  1. There are two ___________ to this lease, the landlord and the tenant.
  2. If Becky moves out after 10 months, she will still owe rent for the remainder of the 12-month ________ of the lease.
  3. A rental agreement which either side can end at the end of any month is called a _____________________ agreement.
  4. Money held by a landlord to pay for any damages which occur is called a damage __________.
  5. Tenants don't like to pay a deposit which is _____________.
  6. Under this agreement, the tenant is responsible for broken windows, since a broken window is other than normal ______________________.
  7. If the stove or other ________________ supplied by the landlord stops working, the landlord must fix it.
  8. If the landlord wants to sell the house, the tenant must be given 24 hours ________ that a prospective buyer will view the property.

This Sample Rental Agreement and Discussion Questions are taken from Chapter 3 of Community Life in the USA Book 4. Copyright 1997, Federal Way Branch, American Association of University Women.

Federal Way ESL Project
PO Box 24494
Federal Way, WA 98093.