Differences between Lease and Rent Agreement

A lease and a rent agreement are legally binding contracts between a landlord and a tenant, outlining the terms and conditions of renting a property. A lease is an agreement in which the lessor gives the lessee, possession of his assets for a predetermined time period (not for periodic payments), where the responsibility of maintaining the property is with the lessee. However, a rent agreement is an agreement in which the landlord transfers the tenant, possession of his assets for periodic payments.

What is Lease?

A lease is a legally binding contract between a landlord (lessor or property owner) and a tenant (lessee or an individual who is renting the property) granting the tenant, the right to use a property for a predetermined time period in exchange for a consideration. Both the parties (lessor and lessee) enters into a lease agreement specifying the terms and conditions of the lease. The key elements of a lease agreement consist of:

• Duration: The lease agreement determines the length of time for which the lessee has the right to the property. In general, the lease duration varies from a few months to several years.
• Rent Amount: The lease agreement outlines the rent amount, the tenant or lessee is required to pay along with the payment frequency (monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and so on).
• Terms and Conditions: The agreement consist of terms and conditions governing the use of property, including the restrictions on sub-leasing the property, guidelines regarding repairs and maintenance, rules regarding pets, etc.
• Security Deposit: Many lessors ask their lessee to provide them with a security deposit in the beginning. The landlord holds this security amount against any damage done to the property by the tenant to for unpaid rent. The deposit amount is refunded to the lessee at the end of the lease term after deducting money for damages or outstanding rent, if any.
• Responsibilities: The lease agreement also defines the responsibilities of the lessor and the lessee. For instance, the responsibility of repair and maintenance might be divided between the lessor and the lessee.
• Termination Clause: Ultimately, the lease agreement outlines the conditions under which the lessor or the lessee can terminate the agreement before the end of the actual lease term.

What is Rent Agreement?

A rent agreement or a rental agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord (lessor or property owner) and a tenant (lessee or an individual who is renting the property), determining the terms and condition under which a property is rented out to the tenant. In general, a rent agreement is on month-to-month basis and renews itself, unless either of the parties gives notice in writing. Some of the key components of a rent agreement consist of:

• Parties Involved: A rent agreement includes the name and contact information of the landlord and the tenant.
• Property Description: The agreement also includes detailed information regarding the rented property, its address, unit number, and any other specific feature.
• Duration of Tenancy: A rent agreement consist of the time period of rent, including the start and end date of the tenancy.
• Rent Amount: It includes the rent amount to be paid by the tenant, the due date of the payment, and acceptable mode of payment.
• Security Deposit: It is the amount of money that the tenant has paid upfront to the landlord to cover unpaid rent or any damages. The deposit amount is refunded to the lessee at the end of tenancy after deducting money for damages or outstanding rent, if any.
• Utilities and Maintenance: It also clarifies as to which party is responsible for the payment of utilities and property maintenance.
• Termination Clause: It defines the conditions under which either party can terminate the tenancy by giving notice period.
• Use of Property: The rent agreement also covers the restrictions or guidelines regarding the use of the rental property, including rules regarding subletting the property, having pets, etc.
• Legal Provisions: Ultimately, the rent agreement consist of the legal clauses related to the eviction process, dispute resolution, and other laws that governs the rent agreement.

Difference between Lease and Rent Agreement

Basis	Lease	Rent Agreement
Meaning	A lease is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant granting the tenant, the right to use a property for a predetermined time period in exchange for a consideration.	A rent agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant, determining the terms and condition under which a property is rented out to the tenant.
Duration	A lease agreement is usually signed for a long-term, from six months to several years.	A rent agreement is signed for a short-term, from month-to-month to a year.
Renewal	A lease agreement usually renews itself unless either of the parties terminates the contract.	A rent agreement usually does not automatically renews.
Security Deposit	A lease contract requires a large amount of security deposit.	A rent contract may or may not require security deposit. If it does, the amount is small.
Rent Stability	The rent amount is usually fixed for the lease term.	The rent amount may change on the notice of the landlord.
Termination	The termination of a lease contract may result in some penalty or the lessee may not get the deposit, if it happens due to a reason not specified in the agreement.	The landlord usually allows the tenant to terminate the agreement with a proper notice (without any penalty).
Maintenance	The responsibility of the maintenance of the property usually lies with the tenant.	The responsibility of the maintenance of the property usually lies with the landlord.

Lease and Rent Agreement – FAQs

Are lease and rent agreement legally binding?

Yes, lease and rent agreement are legally binding contracts between the lessor or landlord and lessee or tenant. Therefore, it is essential that both parties thoroughly review and understand the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Do I need to have a written lease or rental agreement?

Although in some cases, a verbal agreement is legally binding, it is highly recommended that both the parties have a written lease agreement or rent agreement clearly outlining the terms and conditions, and rights and responsibilities of both the parties.

Can the rent amount be changed during the lease term?

The rent amount in the lease agreement is usually fixed for the lease term unless it is specified otherwise. However, the rent amount in the rent agreement may subject to change with a proper notice by the landlord.

What happens if either party wants to terminate the agreement early?

There may be some penalties or loss of deposit in lease for terminating the agreement early. However, the rent agreement usually allows for early termination with a proper notice, without any penalty.

What to do if I have a dispute with my landlord or tenant?

In case of a dispute, first try to resolve the issue by discussing it with the opposite party. If discussing does not resolve the issue then seek for legal advice in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement and the laws applicable.