Pay lawyer to create lease, or DIY?

[Bienes Raices]

I've found a rental agreement that was created by my state's courts for single family homes, and duplexes. Would it be safe to use that lease and just change some things based on my choices (about pets, smoking, etc.) or do most people hire a lawyer to do one from scratch?

[Tony D'Anzica.]

Speaking as an attorney and a property manager, I recommend having a landlord-tenant attorney prepare one good lease for you. I am constantly revising my leases and tightening them up. As you gain experience you may also decide that there are certain issues you want to have addressed with more specificity then your generic stationary store lease does.

Tony L. D'Anzica, Esq.