Acknowledgment Receipt
Proof that money or an item was received: amount, purpose, date and signatures.
OpenResidential Lease Agreement
A lease contract between landlord and tenant: rent, deposit, advance, term and house rules. All documents are completely free for now — download without paying.
Template reviewed by a lawyer, current as of July 2026.
Lawyer-reviewed
Residential Lease Agreement
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Lawyer's note. Leases are governed by the Civil Code (Art. 1654 ff.). For units covered by the Rent Control Act, deposits are capped and rent increases are limited — check whether your monthly rent falls under the current coverage.
How to use this document correctly
- Attach a signed inventory of the unit's condition and meter readings — it is the basis for returning the deposit.
- Standard practice is one month advance and two months deposit; put the exact refund procedure in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Does a lease need to be notarized?
No — a signed private lease is valid between the parties. Notarization is optional and mainly adds evidentiary weight; leases over one year involving registration have separate requirements.
Can the landlord keep the whole deposit?
Only for unpaid bills or damage beyond normal wear and tear, and it must be accounted for. Ordinary fading of paint or furniture marks is normal wear.