A lease agreement is an essential legal document that helps protect landlords and renters by laying out rules and expectations. If you’re a landlord, understanding the basics of a residential lease agreement is key to safeguarding yourself and your property and giving your renters a smooth experience. This guide will cover the most important parts of a residential lease agreement in Dallas, Texas.
Naming the Parties in a Lease Agreement
The first step in creating a rental lease agreement in Dallas, Texas, is identifying the parties involved. The landlord, also known as the “lessor,” is the person or company that owns the property. They give the tenant, or “lessee,” permission to live there. It’s important to use the legal names of everyone involved. If an LLC owns the property, make sure the lease agreement uses the LLC’s official name rather than just listing a property manager.
The rental agreement should also list the legal names of all residents living at the property, including the primary tenant and any extra occupants, like roommates or family members. In a big city like Dallas, more and more people are choosing to live together to afford the high cost of living. Listing all tenants in the lease agreement ensures everyone understands the rules—especially in a shared living situation.
Setting the Terms of The Lease Agreement
Your residential lease agreement in Dallas, Texas should outline the exact dates the tenant can live in the property. The lease agreement may cover six months, one year, or longer; it may also be month to month. In areas like Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville, rental periods may be shorter, as the young professionals who often live here like having the freedom to move around.
The lease agreement should also say what will happen once the term ends, like automatically renewing or changing to a month-to-month agreement. Including these details in your rental lease agreement in Dallas, Texas helps both the landlord and the tenant plan for the future.
Rent details, like how much rent is, when it’s due, and how to pay it should also be specified in the rental agreement. For example, the lease agreement might state that $1,250 is due on the first of the month and can be paid by money order, check, or debit card.
Landlords may also add a security deposit to the rental agreement upon move-in, protecting the property from damages. For example, if you have a property on Lake Lewisville and your tenant’s dog damages the carpet with muddy water, these funds can replace it, per the rental agreement. If no damage occurs, the deposit is returned once the lease agreement ends.
It’s also important to include information about late fees in your rental lease agreement in Dallas, Texas. Texas law requires that landlords wait at least two full days after rent is due before charging a penalty. These details must be stated in the lease agreement.
Who Handles Utilities, Maintenance & Repairs?
Another important part of a residential lease agreement is the section explaining who will pay for utilities, maintenance, and repairs. Utilities include water, electricity, gas, and trash collection. In Dallas, water and trash are billed together. If you’re renting out an older property in neighborhoods like Swiss Avenue, Bluffview, or Forest Hills, the electricity bills are usually high, especially during sweltering Dallas summers.
Sometimes, the landlord includes utilities in the rent, while other times, the tenant pays them separately. If the landlord includes utilities, the residential lease agreement should clearly state which ones are covered.
A residential lease agreement in Dallas, Texas should also say who is responsible for repairs and maintenance. Landlords usually handle large repairs, like broken appliances, while the tenant fixes smaller issues such as changing air filters or replacing light bulbs. If there’s a maintenance request, the lease agreement should also state how quickly it must be responded to.
Dallas is known for its unpredictable weather, ranging from ice storms to tornadoes. You’ll want to include information about who will repair what in the lease agreement in case of weather-related damage to your property.
Rental Insurance in a Lease Agreement
Landlords often require tenants to have renters insurance, which should be stated in the residential lease agreement. This covers the tenant’s belongings in case of fire, theft, or other damages, but it can also provide liability coverage if someone is injured while living there.
Under their rental agreement, tenants might be required to provide proof of renters insurance before moving in and must keep the policy active until move out. Including this requirement in the lease agreement in Dallas helps keep the landlord and tenant safe.
Rental Agreement Rules: When Can Landlords Enter the Property?
Landlords have the right to enter the property for repairs or inspections but must respect the tenant’s privacy. In Dallas, there are no specific laws regulating the landlord’s entry, so the lease agreement should include clear guidelines. Generally, landlords can only enter under three circumstances:
To make repairs
To handle emergencies
Other reasons in the lease agreement
Landlords are typically required to give 24 hours of notice before entry. Including a right-of-entry clause in the residential lease agreement can help prevent misunderstandings.
Setting Rules for Pets and Breeds
Whether to allow pets is the landlord’s choice. If pets are allowed, the lease agreement should specify the types and breeds permitted and any size or weight restrictions. Requiring a pet deposit can cover potential damages.
In Dallas, pets are more common in properties near areas like the Katy Trail. If you don’t want to allow animals inside, make it clear in your lease agreement.
Lease Agreement Templates: Customizing Your Terms
Protecting your rental property is important, which is why you’ll want to have a solid residential lease agreement in place. Dallas lease agreement templates are available online. These can be helpful if you’re not sure where to start, but be sure to customize the lease agreement, as every tenant and property is different.
Whether you use a lease agreement template to draft your lease terms or work with a professional, make sure your lease agreement is detailed. A comprehensive lease agreement will be key to a positive rental experience in Dallas, Texas.
Worried about leaving something out of your lease agreement? Consider working with a professional property manager like Evernest. We’ll have your back every step of the way, keeping you legally and financially protected and ensuring your property is well-maintained.
