Local real estate attorneys apparently don’t need my business. Can I safely write my own rental agreement?
CJ asked:
At least four local real estate agents have not returned my call for help with a contract to rent my home, or “are too busy.” Fine I’ll remember that when I need an attorney for closing and title insurance after I sell. In the meantime, can I write my own rental agreement? I know there are forms; I am concerned about the wording for things outside the standard lease…
Attachment? Exhibit? Thanks in advance for any assistance…
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You can get forms at office supply stores such as Staples or Office Max. You can get forms at
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you can write your own agreement. it’s a private contract basically. look at some forms on the web or whatever you have, and then add and subtract any language you want or don’t want. it doesn’t have to be “officialized” by an attorney, but simply has to be something you and the tenant can agree upon.
contract = meeting of the minds, outwardly expressed (on paper or in words, but in your case paper is BETTER!)
good luck.
p.s. can i get a “best answer” when you’re done?
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The word “safely” is the key to your question. Go ahead and write it and then take it to an attorney for a check (and one to him/her).
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You absolutely can write your own lease agreement. The forms that shellanswerman directed you toward are fine but add the following to the lease agreement:
“See Exhibit “A” for additional provisions attached to and made a part of this lease agreement.”
On the exhibit, where you will insert in plain, clear language any of the additional items; add this paragraph:
“When the terms or conditions on this exhibit conflict with the terms or conditions of the lease agreement, this exhibit shall control”
The lease need not be executed before a notary, but the document can be. Make the exhibit language clear enough that a 14 year old could read it and understand. Courts prefer this simplicity to long flowing document provisions.