Free Lease Form

[Donald Hatter]

I am a licensed realtor in TX so when leasing I use forms provided by TREC.  I have a family member who I want to get an existing tenant under a lease.  Does anyone have a form that she can use.  Is there an website where they can download a fillable form would be great. Any suggestions?

[Jason Zundel]

You want to be very careful with free forms.  The old adage "You get what you pay for" is rarely more applicable then in the legal field.  In addition, leases are subject to not only federal, but state and sometimes even city/county laws, requirements, policies, and procedures.  There is also no legal argument available for lack of information or experience when running afoul of those laws.  Just one example of such is how your lease treats pets and accounts (or fails to!) for special circumstances such as service or emotional support animals.  All in all, you will be safest by spending a little money now and saving yourself much larger expenses later.  One though though is finding a local realtor or high quality property manager in the state where your family member lives and asking for a copy of the lease agreement they use.  It won't come fillable, but you should be able to help adjust things to their needs from there, and but much better protected.

Note: This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, financial, or investment advice. No attorney-client, fiduciary, or professional relationship is established through this communication.