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Signing a rental or lease agreement (either commercial or residential) has traditionally been a slow, paper-heavy process. It often means printing multiple copies, chasing down signatures, and re-scanning important documents. Because of this, potential renters face delays, missed paperwork, and limited visibility into what they’re signing.
Signing a house rental agreement online helps property owners, property managers, and tenants avoid the hassle of printing, scanning, and mailing important documents.
With dedicated e-signature platforms like Xodo Sign, you can streamline every step in the process of adding secure, compliant electronic signatures.
How to sign a rental or lease agreement online using Xodo Sign
Follow these steps to sign and send your rental or lease agreement with Xodo sign:
1. Sign up or log in to Xodo Sign
- Sign up for a Xodo Sign account if you don't have one already.
- If you do, log into your account.
2. Upload your document
- From the dashboard, go to Documents and click on the + icon.
- Click on Choose File(s).
- Browse for and upload your lease or rental agreement.
3. Adding signers to a rental agreement
- Decide who needs to sign the agreement: Me Only, Me and Others, or Others Only.
- Enter every signer's name, email address, and decide if they are a signer or a CC recipient.
- Add Singer Authentication via SMS or PIN, if desired.
- For sequential approval, turn on and specify a Signing Order.
- Add a custom message or instructions.
- Choose document settings for auto reminders, requirements for completing the document, and an expiration date.
- Click on Prepare.
4. Add your signature and signing fields
- Drag signature, initial, or date fields on the page for your signers and yourself where needed.
- Add your own signature by drawing, typing, or uploading an image of it, and click on Sign.
- Once done, you can save a draft for sending to others later or click on Send.
5. Track your lease or rental agreement
- Track each signature in the document's audit trail.
- Download or share the fully signed PDF from your cloud folder.
Xodo Sign features for lease agreements
If you need to review, sign, and store lease agreements as a renter, Xodo Sign has a few stand out features that can help simplify the process:
E-signature
Place legally binding signatures, initials, and date fields directly onto your lease. Each signed document includes an audit trail with timestamps and signer details, giving you proof of agreement.
Cloud storage
Your signed leases are saved in encrypted folders and accessible from any device. No more digging through email attachments or paperwork. Everything stays organized in your Xodo Sign account.
AI contract summarizer
Before signing, use the AI summarizer to review your lease and highlight key terms. Quickly spot monthly rent amounts, security deposit conditions, and liability clauses so you know exactly what you're agreeing to.
Sign leases, send files, and manage documents, all from one account. With features for document editing, adding multiple signers, and checking audit trail updates, you stay informed and in control.
Xodo Sign is flexible and advanced enough for individual renters or property managers handling multiple rental units and tenancy businesses.
Check out more of Xodo Sign's e-signing features to help you with lease agreements.
What to check before signing a lease
Lease agreements can be long and full of legal language and be overlooked. Reviewing the most important terms upfront helps avoid disputes later on.
Here’s a checklist of what to look for:
- Lease term and renewal
Check if your new lease is month-to-month or fixed-term. - Monthly rent
Confirm the amount, due date, and if the first month’s rent is required upfront. - Security deposit
Find out if a security deposit is paid required once you sign the lease. - Late fees and charges
Review any late charges or fees that may apply if you miss a due date. - Utilities and maintenance
Check which utilities are paid for and who is responsible for maintenance and normal wear repairs. - Occupancy rules
Beware of any guest policies, extra occupant laws, and subletting rules. - Termination and notices
Look for early termination clauses and any written notice requirements. - Tenant and landlord obligations
Clarify the responsibilities for insurance and liability. - Addenda
Read all attached documents for terms on items such as pets, renovations or parking. - Other parties
If you're submitting a rental application, check if you need a co-signer or guarantor.
If you need to sign a property disclosure form before you move in, see our guide on how to sign a property disclosure form online.
Why more people are choosing to sign leases online
Here’s why both landlords and tenants prefer digital signing:
- Speed
Review, sign, and send leases from one platform with speed. - Convenience and storage
Sign on any device, anytime. Upload signed leases to Google Drive or Xodo Sign’s secure cloud and access them from anywhere. - Security
Send with confidence using 256-bit encryption and detailed audit logs. Your personal information is secured with enterprise-level encryption. - Signer verification
Xodo Sign can authenticate signers with SMS PINs authentication to verify identities. - Compliance
Xodo Sign meets compliance and legal standards for legally binding electronic signatures, making contracts enforceable in court. - Collaboration
Landlords and renters can create, manage, and sign the same lease document without exchanging hard copies. - Efficiency
Skip the delays and complete your rental paperwork in minutes. No need to meet in person or send physical notices.
If you're involved with a property sale instead, Xodo Sign can also support that signing process. Learn how to sign a real estate purchase agreement to keep deals moving without paperwork.
FAQs
Find out more about the legal, security, and process of signing rental or lease agreements online.
Is signing an online lease agreement legally binding?
Yes, electronic signatures created with Xodo Sign are legally compliant with eSignature laws like eIDAS, ESIGN, and UETA. Each signed document includes a time-stamped audit trail, which can serve as legal proof of consent.
Is my data secure with Xodo Sign?
Xodo Sign uses 256-bit encryption, secure cloud storage, strict access controls, and supports signer identity authentication. The platform meets SOC 2 Type 1 requirements for data protection.
Which file formats can I use?
Xodo Sign accepts PDF and Microsoft Word files. It automatically converts Word documents into compatible PDFs for editing and e-signing. This lets you work without extra conversion tools.
Do leases have to be signed in person?
No. Most states accept electronic signatures for rental contracts. Remote signing cuts down on paper handling. Check local rules or consult a legal professional if you have doubts.
Who signs a rental or lease agreement first?
Typically a landlord or property manager prepares the lease, sets up signature fields, and sends it out. Tenants then review the document and add their e-signatures.
Can multiple people sign a lease online?
Yes. Xodo Sign supports multiple signers in sequence or parallel. You set the order or allow all parties to sign at their own pace. Each signature event appears in the audit trail with a unique timestamp.
How long does online lease signing take?
Once your document is set up in Xodo Sign, signing an online lease can take a few moments. When you receive a copy of your lease form, upload the document to Xodo Sign, review and sign it, and then send it back completed.
Can I make changes after signing?
If you need to adjust terms after all parties sign, you'll need to upload a revised version in the Xodo Sign File Editor, then send a new request for signatures. This keeps each version clean and organized.
Is it possible to back out of a lease after signing?
No, it isn't possible to back out of a signed lease. Once signed, it becomes a legally binding electronic contract. Canceling may lead to fees or legal consequences. However, some leases can include early termination clauses or cancelation windows. Check your written agreement carefully before signing.
What are the risks of co-signing a lease?
A co-signer shares full responsibility for rent and damages. If the primary tenant misses a payment, the co-signer has the legal obligation to cover those costs. Discuss all financial obligations before agreeing to co-sign.
Sign your agreements faster with Xodo Sign
Ready to skip printing, scanning, and mailing?
Start your Xodo Sign free trial and streamline every step of your rental process. Skip the paperwork, avoid back-and-forth emails, and complete your rental agreements.
From secure e-signatures and cloud storage to built-in compliance and AI-powered lease summaries, Xodo Sign gives both renters and landlords the tools to move faster and stay organized.
