Lease Agreement

Full Definition

A lease agreement is the legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant establishing the terms of the rental relationship, including the amount of the security deposit, the permitted uses of the deposit, and any special conditions such as a 'professionally cleaned' clause or pet restrictions. While leases are enforceable contracts, they cannot override state statutory protections for tenants. Provisions that purport to make a deposit non-refundable, waive the tenant's right to an itemized statement, shorten the landlord's return deadline, or allow deductions for normal wear and tear are typically void and unenforceable regardless of whether the tenant signed the lease. On the other hand, lease provisions that expand tenant rights -- such as requiring earlier return of the deposit, or reducing the landlord's permitted deductions -- are generally enforceable. Tenants should read the lease deposit provisions carefully before signing, and note any clauses that appear to waive statutory rights, because they may need to challenge those provisions later.