Fillable Printable Michigan One Year Residential Lease Agreement

Michigan One Year Residential Lease Agreement

(1) ______ (2) ______ (3) ______ (4) ______ (Each tenant must initial.) Page 1 of 6 Pages

RESIDENTIAL-LEASE AGREEMENT

NOTICE:

Michigan law establishes rights and obligations for parties to

rental agreements. This agreement is required to comply with the

Truth in Renting Act. If you have a question about the

interpretation or legality of a provision of this agreement, you

may want to seek assistance from a lawyer or other qualified

person.

We Agree That

_______________________________________________________________,

(Landlord’s Na me(s))

Leases T o

(1)________________________________________________

(Tenant’s Name)

(2)________________________________________________

(Tenant’s Name)

(3)________________________________________________

(Tenant’s Name)

(4)________________________________________________

(Tenant’s Name)

The Following Premises To Be Used For Private R esidential Purposes Only

____________________________________________________________________________________

(Street Add ress, Cit y, State, and Zip Code)

For A Term

Beginning ____________ ____, 20____, and

Ending ____________ ____, 20____.

Month-To-Month

Beginning ____________ ____, 20____.

(a) JOINT AND SEVERAL TENANCY: If more than one person signs this lease as a Tenant, their obligations

are joint and sev eral. This means that each person is responsible not only for his or her individual

obligations, but also for the obligations of all other Tenants. This includes paying rent and performing all

other terms of this lease. A judgment entered against one or more Tenant(s) does not bar an action against the

others. Each Tenant must initial this paragraph: (1) ____, (2) ____, (3) ____, (4) ____.

(b) RENT: Tenant must pay Landlord, as rent for the entire term, a total of $___________, being $_________

each month, beginning ____________ ____, 20____, and the same amount on or before the _____ day, or if

that day is not a business day then the first business day after that day, of each succeeding month. Rent must be

paid to the Landlord at the following address:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

(Street Add ress, Apartment, Cit y, State, and Zip Code)

(1) ______ (2) ______ (3) ______ (4) ______ (Each tenant must initial.) Page 2 of 6 Pages

The discount is meant to encourage prompt payment of rent. Late rent may subject th e Tenant to evic tion

proceedings and liability for damages.

(d) SECURITY DEPOSIT: Tenant must pay Landlord $_______ on ____________ ____, 20____, which

Landlord holds as a security deposit for Tenant’s performance of all the terms of this lease. The security

deposit may be mingled with the security deposits of Landlord’s other tenants and must be deposited at the

fol low ing financia l in s ti tut i o n:

_____________________________________________________________________________________

(N ame of F inancial Institution, Street Addr e ss, City, State, a nd Zip Co de)

NOTICE:

You must notify your landlord in writing within 4 days after

you move of a forwarding address where you can be reached

and where you will receive mail; otherwise your landlord

shall be relieved of sending you an itemized list of damages

and the penalties adherent to that failure.

(e) NONREFUNDABLE CLEANING FEE: Tenant must pay a nonrefundable cleaning fee of $________ at the

beginning of the lease term .

(f) OCCUPANCY: Only the persons who sign this lease may reside at the premises. If more than ______ persons

occupy the prem ises, th e L and lord m ay te rminat e this tenan cy or asses s addit ional rent o f $ _____ ____ eac h month fo r

each ad d ition al per son. Occ upancy must no t ex ceed the nu mber mandat ed by local ordinance. This premises is

lic en sed for _ __ _ p er sons. T enant may accom m odate guests for r easona ble per iods (up to 2 weeks ); othe r

arr ang emen ts r eq u ir e L andlor d’ s co n s en t.

Note: If the premi ses is located in the city of East Lansing, the occupancy limit must be d isp layed on the license and

posted in the premises. T he city ma y fine violators $1000 a day for over-occupancy.

(g) SLEEPING ROOMS: Basements, attics, and other rooms must not be used as sleeping rooms if they do not

comply with the local ordinance for windows, minimum square footage, exits, and ventilation. This is meant to

protect Tenant’s health and safety. The following areas may not be used as sleeping rooms:

__________________, __________________, __________________, __________________.

Note: The city of East Lansi ng may fine violators $1000 or they may be sentenced up to 90 days in jail..

(h) KEYS/LOCKS: Tenant will receive ____ keys from the Landlord. On or before the termination of this lease,

Tenant must return all keys or Tenant will be charged $_________ for changing the locks. If Tenant loses the

keys or gets locked out of the premises, Landlord will provide an extra key to Tenant and may charge Tenant

$_________. Tenant must never gain entrance to the premises by force through a window or door, or

otherwise without a key. Tenant must not change or add locks without Landlord’s written consent.

(i) UNAUTHORIZED USE OF MAILING ADDRESS: Only a Tenant may use the mailing address of the

premises. Allowing someone else to use the mailing address will increase the monthly rent by $_________.

(j) CONDITION OF PREMISES AT THE BEGINNING OF TENANT’S OCCUPANCY: Tenant

acknowledges receipt of two blank copies of an inventory checklist. Tenant must complete both checklists

and return one to the Landlord within 7 days after Tenant takes possession of the premises. Except for

those items specifically noted by the Tenant in detail on the inventory checklist, Tenant accepts the premises,

and the appliances and furnishings, in good condition. The inventory checklist is used only to assess damages

and is not a warranty or promise by Landlord that any item listed on the checklist, but not present on the

premises, will be provided.

(1) ______ (2) ______ (3) ______ (4) ______ (Each tenant must initial.) Page 3 of 6 Pages

(k) APPLIANCES AND OTHER FURNISHINGS PROVIDED: Tenant must not remove or loan any item

provided with the premises. Landlord will provide the following checked items:

 Stove  _________________________  _________________________

 Refrigerator  _________________________  _________________________

 Dishwasher  _________________________  _________________________

 Washer and Dryer  _________________________  _________________________

(l) SMOKE DETECTORS: Landlord must install smoke-detection devices as required by law. The premises

contain _____ smoke-detection dev ices, all working satisfactorily. Once the tenancy begins, Tenant must

regularly test the detectors to ensure that they are working. Tenant must never remove the battery from the

smoke-detection device except when necessary to replace it. Tenant must inform the Landlord immediately, in

writing, of any defect or malfunction in its operation.

(m) ALTERATIONS: Tenant must not alter the premises without the Landlord’s written consent (e.g., painting,

wallpapering, installing locks). Landlord will discuss with Tenant a preferred method of hanging pictures and

posters. Tenan t is respo nsib le for dam ag e to the wa lls b ey ond reasonable wear an d tear.

(n) REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE: Landlord must provide and maintain the premises in a safe, habitable,

and fit cond ition. Tenant must notify Landlord IMMEDIATELY, BY PHONE at __________________ of

any gas leaks, electrical problems, water damage, broken appliances, or serious structural damage.

Tenant must notify Landlord, in writing, of all other problems needing repair. Landlord must make all repairs

to the premises that, in Landlord’s sole judgment, are required by law. Landlord must make every effort to do

so within a reasonable time. Whenever repairs are delayed for reasons beyond the Landlord’s control, the

Tenant’s obligations are not affected, nor does any claim accrue to Tenant against the Landlord. Landlord must

maintain those things requiring periodic maintenance (e.g., heating, air conditioning, cracked windows).

(o) PIPE-FREEZE PREVENTION: I f Tenant plans to b e aw ay from the premises for any leng th o f tim e, the heat

must be le ft on during the cold season and the windows closed to avoid broken pipes and water damage.

(p) REPAIRS DUE TO TENANT’S NEGLIGENCE: Damage to the premises caused by Tenant’s negligence,

or their guest’s or invitee’s negligence, whether by act or omission, will be repaired by Landlord and charged to

the Tenant. Whenever repairs are delayed for reasons beyond Landlord’s control, Tenant’s obligations are not

affected, nor does any claim accrue to the Tenant against Landlord. Tenant must immediately pay the repair

costs as additional rent. If Tenant fails to do so, Landlord may take legal action to recov er any unpaid rent.

(q) LANDLORD’S RIGHT OF ENTRY: Landlord, or Landlord’s agent, may enter the premises at reasonable

times, with ____-hours notice to the Tenant, to examine, protect, make repairs or alterations, or show

prospective renters and purchasers. In emergency situations, Landlord is not required to give Tenant notice. If

emergency entry occurs, Landlord must, within 2 days, notify Tenant of the date, time, and reason for the entry.

(r) USE OF THE PREMISES: Tenant must use the premises for private residential purposes only. Tenant must

not do any of the following, or allow someone else to do any of the following:

 Harass, annoy, or endanger any other tenant or neighbor, or their guests, or create any excessive noise

or public nuisance,

 Do anything to the structure or its surroundings that may be hazardous or that will cause Landlord’s

insurance to be cancelled or premiums to increase,

 Keep any flammable or explosive materials or any dangerous, hazardous, or toxic substance in or

around the premises,

 Deface or damage, or allow another to deface or damage, any part of the premises,

 Change the locks or install any additional locks or bolts without Landlord’s written consent,

 Place a waterbed or other heavy article on the premises without Landlord’s written consent,

 Pour any commercial anti-clogging agent into the sink or drain that may harm the water pipes, or

 Install any antenna or satellite without Landlord’s written consent.

(1) ______ (2) ______ (3) ______ (4) ______ (Each tenant must initial.) Page 4 of 6 Pages

(s) ILLEGAL DRUG USE: Tenant must not violate, or knowingly allow another to violate, federal, state, or

local laws regarding the use of controlled substances or the use of alcohol by minors in or around the premises.

When aware of a v iolation of this provision, Landlord will file a formal police report. Landlord m ay recover

possession of the premises by summary proceedings when Tenant holds over the prem ises for 24 hours after

service of a written dem and for possession for term ination of this Lease under this provision.

(t) PETS: Dogs, cats, or other pets are not allowed on the premises without Landlord’s written consent. If

Landlord’s written consent is given, Tenant agrees to pay a nonrefundable pet fee of $_________.

(u) PARKING: Landlord will provide parking for Tenant’s automobiles. Tenant must keep the parking area free

of all debris. Automobiles must be parked only in assigned areas as follows:

CAR #1_________________________________________________ (year, make, model, and plate number),

belonging to ___________________________ must be parked ____________________________________.

CAR #2_________________________________________________ (year, make, model, and plate number),

belonging to ___________________________ must be parked ____________________________________.

CAR #3_________________________________________________ (year, make, model, and plate number),

belonging to ___________________________ must be parked ____________________________________.

CAR #4_________________________________________________ (year, make, model, and plate number),

belonging to ___________________________ must be parked ____________________________________.

(v) MISCELLANEOUS COSTS AND OBLIGATIONS: Check the appropriate box below:

Tenant Landlord Not Applicable pays for electricity.

Tenant Landlord Not Applicable pays for gas or fuel oil.

Tenant Landlord Not Applicable pays for wa ter and sewag e.

Tenant Landlord Not Applicable pays for trash removal.

Tenant Landlord Not Applicable must dispose of all trash by placing in a designated

container.

Tenant Landlord Not Applicable must mow the lawn.

Tenant Landlord Not Applicable must water the lawn.

Tenant Landlord Not Applicable must rake the leaves.

Tenant Landlord Not Applicable must remove snow and ice from the driveway, parking

area, walkway, and steps.

Tenant Landlord Not Applicable must change the screens and storm doors as weather

dictates.

Tenant Landlord Not Applicable must______________________________________.

(w) PEACEFUL AND QUIET USE OF PREMISES: In exchange for Tenant’s timely payment of rent and

performance of all the terms of this lease, Landlord must provide peaceful and quiet use of the premises

throughout the tenancy.

(1) ______ (2) ______ (3) ______ (4) ______ (Each tenant must initial.) Page 5 of 6 Pages

(x) SUBLET AND ASSIGNMENT: Tenant must not sublet the premises or assign any interest in this lease

without Landlord’s written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld). If Landlord gives written consent,

Landlord must also provide Tenant with an appropriate sublease form.

(y) RENTER’S INSURANCE: Tenant is strongly advised to carry renter’s insurance on his or her personal

property (e.g., clothing, furniture, household items). Landlord is not responsible for damage to Tenant’s

personal property, unless Landlord’s negligence or intentional act or omission causes the damage.

(z) LEASE ADDENDUM, RULES, AND REGULATIONS: If the premises is located in the City of East

Lansing, the East Lansing Lease Addendum must be attached. Additional pages or rules and regulations,

signed by all parties, are incorporated as part of this Lease, and Landlord must provide copies to the Tenant.

(aa) BREACH OF LEASE AND RIGHT TO RE-ENTER AND REGAIN POSSESSION: If Tenant fails to p ay

rent or violates an y other term of this lease, Land lord m ay terminate the tenan cy , re-enter the prem ises, and reg ain

possession in acco rdance wi th the law. If Land lord v iolates any term of this lease, Tenant m ay terminate the tenancy.

(bb) CONDITION OF THE PREMISES AT THE END OF TENANT’S OCCUPANCY: At the end of

Tenant ’s occup ancy , Land l ord must complete a termination inventory checklist to assess damages that

Landlord claims were caused by the Tenant. This includes unpaid rent, unpaid utilities, and damages beyond

reasonable wear and tear. Tenant may ask to be present when the termination inventory checklist is to be

completed. Landlord must mail to the Tenant, within 30 days of Tenant’s termination of occupancy, an

itemized list of damages claimed for which the security deposit may be used—provided, of course, tha t th e

Tenant has given a forwarding address.

(cc) END OF LEASE TERM: When the lease term ends, Tenant must promptly vacate the premises, remove all

personal property, and return all keys. Tenant must dispose of all trash and leave the premises clean.

(dd) CHANGES TO THIS LEASE: This lease, and any additional pages or rules and reg ulations inco rporated,

contains the entire agreem ent between Landlord and Tenant; no oral agreem ent is valid. Ch ang es to the term s of

this Lease must be in writing, signed by all parties.

(ee) ENFORCEMENT OF LEASE PROVISIONS: Failure to strictly enforce any provision of this lease, by

either the Landlord or the Tenant, does not constitute acceptance of a change in its terms. Landlord and Tenant

are still obligated to perform as indicated in this lease.

(ff) ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS: _____________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________.

This RESIDENTIAL-LEASE AGREEMENT is signed on ____________ ____, 20____.

Each per son who si g ns it

acknowledges, by their si gnatu re, that

the y have read it, understand it, and volu ntarily agree to it.

Fu rther, eac h person is mentally competent and 18 years or olde r.

Landlord’s Signature(s): ______________________________ ______________________________

Tenant’s Signature(s): ______________________________ ______________________________

______________________________ ______________________________

(1) ______ (2) ______ (3) ______ (4) ______ (Each tenant must initial.) Page 6 of 6 Pages

This document was drafted as a community-service project

by student residents under the supervision of clinical faculty at the

MSU COLLEGE OF LAW, RENTAL HOUSING CLINIC

541 E. Grand River Avenue, P.O. Box 310

East Lansing, MI 48826

Phone (517) 336-8088, ext. 20, Fax (517) 336-8089

We provide free legal services to low-income persons.

Contributions are appreciated and used to support our general operations.

The Internal Revenue Service has granted us §501(c)(3) charitable, tax-exempt status.

Contributions are eligible for the charitable tax deduction under Internal Revenue Code §170.

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