Lease and Application Samples

[Andy Krug]

Hi everyone. I have finally purchased my first property in Baltimore City, a duplex that I am living in half and renting out the other half! I have never been a landlord before and am looking for some advice. Is there somewhere I can get a copy of a basic lease to use? What about a sample application that I can give to prospective tenants? Any help would be greatly appreciated! Andy

[Laticia Braxton]

Hi Andy.  Congratulations on your new venture!  You want to be very careful with using a "basic lease" because the state requires you to be compliant as a landlord.  If you choose to draft your own lease, you should pay an attorney to review it before you or your client sign, to ensure you are protected and are abiding by Maryland Real Property law.  Remember, if you ever have to go to rent court for late rent or any other issue and your lease isn't tight, you may end up with bigger problems. 

With regard to an application, you should be able to google a basic renter's application but make sure you are asking for all of the important  information you need to pull a full credit, criminal and background check.  You will also need to get them to sign a disclosure acknowledging their understanding that you are doing so (if it is not spelled out on the application).  Next, make sure you actually check their references - present and past landlords, present and past employers, etc. Some new landlords get excited when they quickly get a prospective tenant.  It's much better to spend a few days verifying information than renting to someone who will give you a headache soon after they move in.  

Lastly, as bad as this may sound, no matter how nice they are, don't get too chummy with your tenants. You have to look at this for what it is, a business.  If you get too chummy with them, it becomes difficult to put your landlord hat back on when the rent is late or when they are having wild parties at all hours of the night or are now asking for things that your lease did not afford them.  Not saying you can't be cordial, but don't forget your #1 role and don't give them the chance to use or abuse you in any way.

Best of luck to you!