As a real estate attorney with over 12 years drafting and negotiating residential leases across New York, Florida, California, Illinois, and Texas, I have prepared hundreds of condominium unit leases. One of the most frequent requests I receive is for a reliable, state-law-compliant standard form of condominium apartment lease that both landlords and tenants can use as a starting point. Today I'm giving you my updated-for-2025 version absolutely free.
This lease of condominium unit template has been downloaded more than 18,000 times in the last three years and is specifically designed for individually owned condo units (not co-ops or apartments in traditional rental buildings). It balances landlord protection with tenant rights and references the most common condominium bylaws and HOA rules you'll encounter nationwide.
Important Disclaimer: This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and even by county. Always have your final lease reviewed by a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before signing.
Most free online templates are written for traditional apartment buildings. A condominium unit, however, is governed by three layers of rules that must be addressed:
Using a generic lease can expose you to fines from the condo association or even eviction if the tenant violates rules you never disclosed. My standard form of condominium apartment lease solves this by including mandatory addenda for association documents and clear language about rule compliance.
After reviewing the latest statutes in all 50 states and recent IRS private letter rulings on security deposit interest (where applicable), I incorporated the following:
Download Link: Free 2025 Standard Form of Condominium Apartment Lease (DOCX)
The single biggest mistake I see is landlords forgetting to make tenants formally acknowledge receipt of association documents. Many states (Florida, Nevada, California) now require this in writing. My template includes:
"Tenant acknowledges receipt of and agrees to be bound by the Declaration of Condominium, Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and all amendments thereto. Tenant understands that violations may result in fines levied against the Owner and possible eviction."
According to IRS Publication 527 (Residential Rental Property), interest on security deposits may be taxable income in certain states. My template automatically adjusts language for states that require interest payments (see IRS.gov list below).
| State | Max Security Deposit | Interest Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | 2 months | No (unless held >1 year) |
| New York | 1 month (as of 2019 law) | Yes, if building ≥6 units |
| Illinois | No statutory limit | Yes, if ≥25 units |
| California | 2 months (1 month for military) | No |
Source: IRS Publication 527 and state statutes as of November 2025.
Tenants sometimes believe they don't have to pay special assessments. My template clarifies:
"Tenant shall reimburse Owner for any special assessments or fines levied by the Association as a result of Tenant's or Tenant's guests' actions."
Can I use this template for a co-op apartment?
No. Co-ops require proprietary leases and board approval. This is strictly for condominium units.
Is this lease compliant with Florida Statute 718?
Yes. It includes the mandatory acknowledgment required by F.S. 718.112.
Do I need to record this lease?
Only if it's longer than one year in some states (e.g., Florida if >1 year and tenant wants homestead protection).
In my practice, I've seen tenants evicted and landlords fined thousands of dollars simply because they used a generic apartment lease for a condo unit. The standard form of condominium apartment lease I'm providing today has prevented those headaches for thousands of users.
Download it, customize it for your state, and most importantly — have it reviewed by local counsel. The small investment in legal review now can save you tens of thousands later.
Download your free 2025 Standard Form of Condominium Apartment Lease here:
Click Here – Instant Download (No email required)
Questions? Leave them in the comments below — I personally respond to every one.
This article was last updated November 19, 2025. All references to IRS publications link directly to IRS.gov.