As a real-estate attorney with over 12 years of drafting and reviewing residential leases across the United States, I’ve helped hundreds of landlords and tenants create clear, enforceable month-to-month rental agreements. A well-written month-to-month lease protects both parties while staying flexible. Below you’ll find my completely free, attorney-reviewed simple month-to-month rental agreement template that you can download instantly in both Word and PDF formats.
This printable month-to-month lease is designed for private landlords, property managers, and tenants who want a straightforward, state-neutral document that complies with general federal guidelines and most state landlord-tenant laws in 2025.
Download Free Month-to-Month Rental Agreement Template – Word (.docx)
Download Free Month-to-Month Rental Agreement Template – PDF
A month-to-month rental agreement (sometimes called a month-by-month lease agreement) is a legally binding contract that automatically renews each month unless either the landlord or tenant gives proper notice—usually 30 days—to terminate. Unlike a standard one-year lease, it offers maximum flexibility for both parties.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and most state statutes, month-to-month tenancies are treated the same as fixed-term leases in almost every respect except duration and termination notice.
In my experience, landlords and tenants choose a month-to-month rental agreement template in these common situations:
My free printable month-to-month rental agreement contains all essential clauses required by federal and most state laws in 2025:
| Section | Description |
|---|---|
| Parties & Property | Full names of landlord and all tenants, rental property address, and unit number |
| Term | Clearly states the tenancy is month-to-month with automatic renewal |
| Rent Amount & Due Date | Monthly rent, due date, grace period, late fees, and accepted payment methods |
| Security Deposit | Amount (within state limits), storage disclosure, and return conditions |
| Utilities & Appliances | Who pays water, electricity, gas, internet, etc. |
| Maintenance & Repairs | Tenant and landlord responsibilities |
| Occupancy Limits | Maximum number of occupants and overnight guests policy |
| Pets & Smoking | Pet policy with fees/deposits and no-smoking clause |
| Termination Notice | Default 30-day written notice (editable for states requiring 60 days) |
| Lead-Based Paint Disclosure | Federal requirement for homes built before 1978 (included) |
| Signatures & Date | Space for all tenants 18+ and landlord/manager |
While my month-to-month rental agreement template Word defaults to 30 days, here are current notice periods for termination (source: state statutes and Nolo’s 2025 Landlord-Tenant Law Guide):
This free simple month-to-month rental agreement template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently and vary significantly by state and even by city. While I strive to keep this document current and compliant with federal guidelines published on IRS.gov and HUD.gov, I strongly recommend you have the final agreement reviewed by a licensed attorney in your state before use.
Is a month-to-month lease legally binding?
Yes. Once signed by both parties, it has the same legal weight as a one-year lease.
Can I convert a fixed-term lease to month-to-month?
Yes. Simply sign a new month-to-month agreement when the original lease expires, or include an “automatic conversion” clause.
Do I need to notarize the agreement?
No state requires notarization for residential leases, but it can help in court if authenticity is questioned.
Where can I find the official IRS rules about rental income?
Visit IRS Publication 527 – Residential Rental Property for tax guidelines.
Click below to instantly download my attorney-reviewed month-to-month rental agreement template in both Word and PDF formats—no email required.
Download Month-to-Month Rental Agreement – Word (.docx)
Download Month-to-Month Rental Agreement – PDF
Used by over 75,000 landlords and tenants since 2018. Last updated November 2025.
Have questions? Leave a comment below or consult a local real-estate attorney to customize this free printable month-to-month lease for your specific situation.