How to Copy a Lease Agreement

All signatories of a lease should retain a copy for their records.

Whenever you sign a new lease, it is important that everybody who signed keeps a copy of the agreement. It ensures that tenants are aware of the terms of the agreement and the rules of the dwelling, and that neither party tries to modify or ignore certain provisions of the lease at a later date. When making copies of a lease agreement, make sure that the signatures of all parties are on the lease so that nobody can later claim they did not agree to the lease's terms.

Instructions

1. Print the unsigned lease on carbon copy if you want to make multiple originals or regular printer paper if not.

2. Complete the lease; have all parties sign and date it. When necessary, have the signing witnessed by a neutral third party or notary public.

3. Separate the copies of the lease and distribute one copy to each party if you have printed the lease on carbon paper.

4. Use a copy machine to make copies of the original lease if you have not printed it on carbon paper.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that everyone signs both the original document and the copies for added security.

• Keep your copies in a safe place and do not write on them. Any indication that a copy of a lease was tampered with can invalidate it.

References

• Rentals Online: Lease Distribution
• American Bar Association: Residential Lease Agreement

Resources

• Appleton NCR Paper