A rental lease is a legal agreement between a landlord and a tenant that outlines the terms of renting a property. This document specifies important details such as the duration of the lease, the amount of rent, and the responsibilities of both parties. Typically, leases can be short-term (like month-to-month) or long-term (usually a year or more). In addition to rent, a rental lease may include rules about pets, maintenance, and utilities. It serves to protect both the landlord's property and the tenant's rights, ensuring a clear understanding of expectations during the rental period.