2 original leases or copy?

Question

I always do 2 original copy's of the lease so landlord and tenant have 1 original each.

If there is only 1 original who would get the copy of the lease? How do other landlords do it?

2 originals or 1 original and 1 copy any preferred methods since 2 originals is more work and alot more signing but I belive its better, just wanted to see what you think.

Leslie Sultan · Answer

From a legal perspective, the Landlord should retain the original. If you ever have to go to Court to evict the tenant, you will need to present the original to Court. If an original is not available, you will have to provide the Court with an explanation for why you do not have the original. Better to avoid that mess and keep the original.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

I print one original of the rental agreement, pre-fill in the blanks, and then copy it. We do all the signing with the tenant at the property. I keep the original and give the copy to the tenant. In the event my printer acts up and I don't have time to run to a copy shop, I use two originals and filled in all the blanks at signing. In which case both the tenant and I get originals. Works either way. We take two hours for the lease up process as we explain everything in the rental agreement, which includes the property rules, and we demonstrate how to use and take care of the unit, and we do the move-in walkthrough together. Wouldn't think of doing the lease up remotely. The "property condition report" at move-in becomes an addendum to the rental agreement. This is the only document that proves difficult for me, since I must run back to my home office or the copy shop to make a copy of it. I keep the original and give the tenant the copy. I have started to pre-fill most of the blanks on the "property condition report" too, using C&F (with the key C&F=clean and functional) in every spot and handwriting in any known property flaws of which I am aware, then I make a copy of that and bring it to signing. We can add more to the document during the walkthrough and then I make a copy of it. I allow the tenant 7 days to find any thing more that they feel should be added to the "property condition report", since we will visit the tenant at the property 7 days after move-in to check on things and follow-up on any questions or needs of either party. If we are in agreement, I add the changes to both my original and their copy and we both initial & date the changes.

Eddie T. · Answer

I second what Leslie Sultan advised.

Andrew B. · Answer

@Gaylen Johnston you will get better answers by starting your own discussion, however, a contract is valid once both parties put their signature on it. If you have a copy of a lease, with her and your signature on it then you are both bound by those terms unless by mutual agreement you decide to change them.

Gaylen Johnston · Answer

I have a question as regarding my lease with my older sister as my landlord. I signed a copy of the lease because we had an agreement to my boyfriend and i moving into a house she is renting. Unfortunately because we are two prettt different people she tried to kick me out because of her own opinion of our living conditions. However i signed both copies i had of the lease but there is still one lease she is refusing to let me sign which is her copy. Because we arent leased out by the original owners of the house and we are just leased with her i was wondering if the lease i signed still has the same effect as a lease whether i signed hers or not. It does have both signatures on my copy and my boyfrienda copy of thw lease.

Purnell C. · Answer

Hello Nate, I am a landlord and I keep the original, providing a copy to the tenants.

Account Closed · Answer

I'm not sure about the laws of your state for copies, but personally I have gone to using e-signatures for most of my real estate contracts. They are legally binding, and convenient for everyone. No more driving across town for a signature. The system logs the signors IP address, the time and date that they signed. If you really want bullet proof verification, the system can ask the signor questions from their credit record that only they would know. Another great thing is that it will not let them forget any initials or signatures. After signing, each party may print out a copy for their records. I use Docusign. Love e-sig's!

Andrea M. · Answer

Since I meet the tenant at the property on the date of move in for walk thru and such, I do 2 originals.

Chris K. · Answer

I typically make one original and give a copy to the tenant. I used to do two originals but I was afraid that I may miss one thing on one of the originals and that could cause problems. I like the consistency of one original.