Where to look for guidelines on writing a rental lease agreement?

[Adam Juodis]

Hi everybody. I have yet to purchase my first REI, but I am planning to early next year. I'm trying to knock items off the list now to prepare. One of these items is a rental lease agreement. I'd like to write out my own, detailed rental lease agreement, so when the time comes, I have it saved and ready.

I was wondering if there was helpful guidelines, or a good reference I could use. Also, can a rental lease agreement work for any town/city in the United States, or are they structured around the local landlord/tenant laws? Thanks!

[Dana Dunford]

@Adam Juodis - They have to be structured for State and local laws, and I would recommend starting with a State-specific lease agreement (don't get a free one online - those are never up-to-date with regulations), and then potentially speaking with a local lawyer (esp. if you're in a rent control city). A couple hundred dollars up front can save you a couple thousand dollars down the road. 

I hope that helps!