The lease should include all of the following:

• Date of signing.
• Complete names of landlords and tenants.
• Location of the rental unit, including apartment identification.
• Term of the lease, both the date occupancy begins and the termination date.
• The amount of each rent payment.
• When and where each rent payment is due.
• Penalty, if any, for late payment of rent.
• Circumstances, if any, allowing the rent to be raised.
• Extra charges, if any, for parking, storage, recreational facilities, and so forth.
• Utility charges.
• Who pays for repairs and maintenance, especially if tenant negligence is a factor.
• Amount of security or damage deposit, if required.
• Provisions for subletting or assigning.
• Limit on the total number of occupants, if any.
• Whether multiple lessees are jointly or separately obligated. Jointly and severally means any one person may be held responsible for the total rent payment. If this is the case, all tenants should sign an agreement among themselves stating that each of them is responsible for his or her share of the rent.
• Landlord's rights of access to the premises for repairs or to show the premises.
• Rules regarding guests and pet privileges, including a full description of the types of pets allowed.
• Special equipment allowed or forbidden, such as musical instruments, waterbeds.
• Rules setting guidelines for noise or parties and for playing of stereo, television, or musical instruments.
• Whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished. If furnished, a complete written inventory of all items provided, including the condition of each item at time of occupancy, should be included, and which, if any, items in a furnished unit belong to the current occupant.
• Provisions and cause for terminating the lease at the end of its term or before the full term, including penalties.
• Provisions for renewing the lease.
• Who to contact for repairs or emergencies.