Guides & resources
96 in-depth articles on leases, bills of sale, rental terms, and private sales — written for landlords, sellers, and buyers worldwide.
Create lease free →Basics
How to create a lease agreement in 5 simple steps
Learn how to create a professional residential lease agreement from scratch. Free template, required clauses, and tips for landlords and tenants.
7 min read
How to write a bill of sale that protects both parties
Step-by-step guide to writing a bill of sale for vehicles, equipment, and personal property. Required fields, as-is language, and DMV tips.
6 min read
Lease vs rental agreement — when to use each
Understand the difference between a lease and a rental agreement. Fixed-term vs month-to-month, legal implications, and which document fits your situation.
5 min read
Better than Word lease templates
Compare Word lease templates with AgreementKit — formatting, clauses, and update risks.
4 min read
Skip broken Word bill of sale forms
Why online bill of sale generators beat Word — auto fields, PDF export, and DMV-ready layouts.
3 min read
Leasing
Essential lease agreement clauses checklist
Every clause your lease should cover — parties, rent, deposits, maintenance, pets, and termination. Printable checklist for landlords.
6 min read
Security deposit rules explained
How security deposits work — limits, holding requirements, deductions, and return timelines. State-by-state overview for US landlords.
6 min read
Month-to-month leases explained
How month-to-month rental agreements work — notice periods, rent increases, pros and cons for landlords and tenants.
5 min read
Room rental agreements explained
How to lease a spare room — house rules, shared spaces, rent, and tenant screening for room rentals.
4 min read
Pet clauses for leases
How to write pet policies — deposits, breed restrictions, ESA considerations, and damage liability.
4 min read
Subletting guide for tenants and landlords
When subleasing is allowed, landlord consent, and how to structure a sublease agreement.
4 min read
Commercial lease essentials
NNN leases, CAM charges, build-out, renewal options, and personal guarantees explained.
6 min read
Renewing a lease step by step
When and how to renew a lease — rent adjustments, new terms, and month-to-month conversion.
4 min read
Breaking a lease legally
Early termination clauses, buyouts, military orders, and constructive eviction basics.
5 min read
Protect your security deposit
Document rental condition at move-in and move-out with photos, signatures, and timestamps.
4 min read
Leasing a furnished property
Furniture inventory lists, wear expectations, and higher deposit considerations for furnished rentals.
4 min read
Short-term lease essentials
Nightly vs weekly rentals, local STR regulations, occupancy limits, and house rules.
5 min read
How to give proper lease notice
Written notice requirements for ending leases — content, delivery methods, and common mistakes.
4 min read
Guarantor agreements explained
When co-signers are needed, guarantor liability, and how to add guarantors to a lease.
4 min read
Splitting utilities fairly
How to allocate electricity, gas, water, trash, and internet in residential leases.
3 min read
Bills of Sale
Bill of sale essentials checklist
Required fields for vehicle, boat, and equipment bills of sale. DMV-ready information and seller/buyer protections.
5 min read
Boat sale paperwork guide
Required fields for boat bills of sale — hull identification number, trailer, title, and USCG documentation.
4 min read
Sell equipment with proper paperwork
Bill of sale for construction equipment, farm machinery, and commercial tools — serial numbers and liens.
4 min read
As-is sales explained
Legal meaning of 'as-is' on a bill of sale. What sellers disclose and what buyers accept.
4 min read
Sale document vs ownership proof
How bills of sale and vehicle titles work together in private party transfers.
3 min read
Sell any personal item safely
Bill of sale for furniture, electronics, livestock, and general merchandise — not just vehicles.
4 min read
Equine sale paperwork
Bill of sale for horses — registration papers, vet checks, trial periods, and liability.
4 min read
Vehicle Sales
Sell or buy a car privately with confidence
Complete guide to car bills of sale — VIN, odometer disclosure, title transfer, DMV steps, and avoiding scams.
7 min read
DMV-ready bill of sale guide
What US DMVs typically require on a vehicle bill of sale — VIN, odometer, notarization, and deadlines.
5 min read
Private car sale best practices
Price fairly, meet safely, complete paperwork, and avoid common private sale scams.
5 min read
Sell a motorcycle privately
VIN, odometer, lien release, and DMV steps for motorcycle private sales.
4 min read
Trailer sale paperwork
Document trailer sales — VIN, weight, type, and combined vehicle+trailer packages.
4 min read
RV private sale guide
Bill of sale for RVs — title, lien, appliances, and smog/inspection requirements by state.
4 min read
Inspect before you sign
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for private party used car buyers — mechanical, title, and history.
5 min read
Off-road vehicle sales
VIN, title, bill of sale, and registration for ATVs and side-by-sides sold privately.
4 min read
Tenants
Essential tenant rights in plain English
Overview of tenant rights — habitability, privacy, deposits, eviction protections, and discrimination laws. Not legal advice.
7 min read
When landlords must repair
Tenant options when landlords ignore repairs — notice, escrow, repair-and-deduct, and withholding rent risks.
5 min read
Landlords
Landlord tips for your first rental property
Practical advice for new landlords — tenant screening, lease setup, maintenance, insurance, and staying compliant.
7 min read
Landlord eviction guide
Overview of lawful eviction — notices, court filings, and illegal self-help actions to avoid.
5 min read
Screen renters legally and effectively
Credit checks, criminal history, income verification, and fair housing compliance.
5 min read
Raising rent legally
How much notice landlords must give, rent control caps, and mid-lease increase rules.
4 min read
Avoid costly lease errors
Common landlord lease mistakes — illegal clauses, missing disclosures, and weak enforcement language.
5 min read
State guides
California rental law overview
CA-specific lease considerations — rent control, just-cause eviction, disclosures, and deposit limits.
5 min read
Texas rental law basics
Texas lease essentials — deposit return, repair remedies, and property code highlights.
5 min read
New York rental guide
NY lease considerations — rent stabilization, security deposit interest, and habitability standards.
5 min read
Florida rental law overview
Florida lease basics — advance notice, deposit claims, hurricane clauses, and radon disclosure.
5 min read
Writing a Alabama lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Alabama: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Alaska lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Alaska: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Arizona lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Arizona: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Arkansas lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Arkansas: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Colorado lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Colorado: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Connecticut lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Connecticut: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Delaware lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Delaware: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Georgia lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Georgia: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Hawaii lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Hawaii: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Idaho lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Idaho: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Illinois lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Illinois: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Indiana lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Indiana: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Iowa lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Iowa: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Kansas lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Kansas: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Kentucky lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Kentucky: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Louisiana lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Louisiana: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Maine lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Maine: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Maryland lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Maryland: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Massachusetts lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Massachusetts: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Michigan lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Michigan: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Minnesota lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Minnesota: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Mississippi lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Mississippi: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Missouri lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Missouri: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Montana lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Montana: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Nebraska lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Nebraska: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Nevada lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Nevada: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a New Hampshire lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in New Hampshire: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a New Jersey lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in New Jersey: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a New Mexico lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in New Mexico: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a North Carolina lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in North Carolina: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a North Dakota lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in North Dakota: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Ohio lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Ohio: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Oklahoma lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Oklahoma: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Oregon lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Oregon: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Pennsylvania lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Pennsylvania: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Rhode Island lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Rhode Island: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a South Carolina lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in South Carolina: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a South Dakota lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in South Dakota: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Tennessee lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Tennessee: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Utah lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Utah: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Vermont lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Vermont: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Virginia lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Virginia: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Washington lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Washington: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a West Virginia lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in West Virginia: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Wisconsin lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Wisconsin: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read
Writing a Wyoming lease agreement that holds up
Learn how to draft a residential lease in Wyoming: security deposits, notice rules, required disclosures, and clauses landlords and tenants should include before signing.
6 min read