If you’re looking for an easy way to document a rental agreement, a simple one-page lease agreement might be the perfect fit. This streamlined form covers the essential terms of a rental arrangement, such as rent amount, due date, lease length, and responsibilities, without the complexity of a multi-page contract.
Designed for clarity and ease of use, a simple one-page lease agreement can be an excellent option for short-term rentals, room rentals, or informal arrangements between trusted parties.
Just keep in mind: some states and cities require specific clauses in every lease. If those are missing, the agreement may not be enforceable. Be sure to check local landlord-tenant laws before use.
What Is a Simple One-Page Lease Agreement?
A simple one-page lease agreement is a short-form rental contract that outlines the most essential terms of a rental arrangement, all on a single page. The form offers a simple layout that’s easy to read, easy to fill out, and becomes legally binding when both parties sign it.
Unlike extended residential lease agreements that may include dozens of clauses and addenda, this version focuses on the essentials:
- Names of the landlord and tenant.
- Property address.
- Lease start and end dates.
- Rent amount and due date.
- Security deposit (if applicable).
- Responsibilities for maintenance and utilities.
- Signatures of both parties.
Because it’s so concise, this type of agreement works best for straightforward rental situations, like month-to-month leases, room rentals, or when you’re renting to someone you already know and trust. While it may not cover every possible scenario, it provides enough structure to protect both the landlord and the tenant in most common cases.
When To Use a Simple Lease Agreement
A simple one-page lease agreement is ideal for quick, uncomplicated documentation of a rental arrangement. While it won’t replace a detailed lease for every situation, it’s a practical solution for certain types of rentals.
Here are a few scenarios where a one-page lease makes sense:
- Short-term or month-to-month rentals: If you’re renting a unit for a limited period or don’t want to commit to a long lease term, a simple agreement keeps things flexible and easy to manage.
- Room rentals: When you’re renting out a room in your home, you may not need a lengthy agreement, just clear terms on rent, house rules, and notice requirements.
- Renting to friends or family: Even when trust is high, it’s smart to get the basics in writing. A simple one-page lease helps prevent misunderstandings while keeping things informal.
- Time-sensitive situations: If you need to get something signed quickly, such as a tenant moving in the next day, a one-page agreement helps you move forward without delay.
- Supplementing a verbal agreement: A quick written contract is better than relying on memory or word-of-mouth arrangements.
If your rental situation is more complex, involving multiple tenants, pets, long-term leases, or special terms, a more detailed lease is a better fit. But for many DIY landlords, a one-page lease strikes the right balance between protection and simplicity.
If you need to pair your lease with a rental application, try this rental application form template to collect tenant info upfront.
If your situation involves pets, shared utilities, multiple tenants, or longer terms, a more robust lease may be the better choice.
What To Include in a One-Page Lease
Even though it’s short, a simple one-page lease agreement still needs to include the essential terms that define the landlord-tenant relationship. These basics help protect both parties and establish clear expectations from day one.
Here’s what to include:
- Names of all parties: List the full names of the landlord (or property manager) and the tenant.
- Property address: Include the full rental address, including unit or room number if applicable.
- Lease term: Clearly state the start and end dates of the lease, or note if it’s month-to-month.
- Rent amount and due date: Specify the monthly rent, when it’s due, and how it should be paid (check, bank transfer, online platform, etc.).
- Security deposit: Specify the deposit amount, the due date, and the conditions under which the landlord will return it.
- Utilities and maintenance: Clarify who is responsible for which utilities and who handles general upkeep.
- House rules or restrictions: Consider including a line about smoking, noise, pets, or subletting. Keep it brief and relevant.
- Signatures and date: Both parties must sign and date the agreement for it to be legally binding.
Pros and Cons of a Simple Lease Agreement
A simple one-page lease agreement can be a wise choice for certain landlords, but like any lease format, it has advantages and limitations. Understanding both will help you decide if it’s the right fit for your rental situation.
Pros
- Quick and easy to complete: With only one page, there’s less paperwork and less time needed to draft or review the agreement.
- Straightforward for tenants: Clear, concise terms make it easier for tenants to understand their responsibilities, reducing confusion later.
- Suitable for low-risk rentals: Ideal for short-term, informal, or familiar rental arrangements that don’t require extensive legal detail.
- Faster move-in process: Ideal for last-minute agreements or tenants requiring quick signatures.
Cons
- Limited legal protection: A one-page lease may not include clauses that protect you in more complex situations, such as late fees, entry notices, or early termination.
- Less detail: With limited space, you may not be able to fully explain policies on things like pets, guests, or repairs.
- Not suitable for all rentals: If you manage multiple units or have tenants with specific needs, consider using a more extended agreement instead.
If you’re renting to someone new or dealing with a long-term or higher-value property, you may want to consider a more comprehensive lease template to cover all your bases.
Download Your Free One-Page Lease Agreement Template
Whether you’re renting out a spare room, signing a short-term lease, or just want to keep things simple, a simple one-page lease agreement is an effective way to document the key terms of your rental. It’s fast, flexible, and easy to understand, for both you and your tenant.
The simpler the form, the more critical it is for landlords to communicate expectations and decide whether to include extra terms clearly.
Want even more tools to simplify your rental process? Join TurboTenant for free to start creating leases, screening tenants, managing documents, and staying organized, all in one place.
