How to fill in this contract of lease
- 1Date signed
e.g. November 12, 2026 - 2Place signed
e.g. Marikina City - 3Lessor's full name
e.g. Ernesto V. Dalisay - 4Lessor's civil status
e.g. married - 5Lessor's address
e.g. 7 Sampaguita Ave., Brgy. Concepcion Uno, Marikina City - 6Lessee's full name
e.g. Kristine Joy A. Mercado
Commercial leases are different
Rent control does not cover commercial spaces, so the rent, increases and penalties are what the parties agree. Name the business allowed, who gets the permits, and who pays for fit-out and signage. Business tenants often need a notarized lease for their mayor's permit.
Before both sides sign
Most lease disputes come from things nobody wrote down. Settle these first.
- Who pays which bills, and whose name the meters are under.
- When the deposit comes back, and what may be deducted from it.
- How much notice either side gives to end the lease early.
- An inventory of the furniture and appliances, signed by both, attached as an annex.
Sign it properly
Lessor and lessee sign every page at the margin and the last page in full, before two witnesses. Attach copies of both parties' valid IDs. Each keeps an original; bring all copies to the notary if you notarize.
Questions people ask
Do I need to withhold tax on the rent?
A tenant that is a withholding agent (a corporation, or a business required to withhold) usually withholds 5% expanded withholding tax on rent and gives the lessor BIR Form 2307. Ask your accountant which applies to you.
Does a contract of lease need to be notarized?
A signed lease binds the lessor and the lessee even without a notary. Notarize it if you want it to bind third parties, to register it, or to show it to the BIR (a lessor declares rental income). The acknowledgment block at the end is for the notary.
How much advance and deposit is normal?
One or two months' advance and one or two months' deposit are common. For residential units covered by the Rent Control Act, the law limits the advance to one month and the deposit to two months. This paper works out both amounts from the monthly rent.
Can the lessor increase the rent during the lease?
Only as the contract allows. For residential units covered by rent control, increases are capped each year by law; outside it, write any increase into the contract (for example, a set percentage on renewal).
Is this legal advice?
No. It is a common Philippine format for simple leases. For long leases, land, a whole building, or a lease with options to buy, have a lawyer review it.
This page explains common practice and is not legal advice. Offices set their own rules — when in doubt, call ahead or ask your notary or lawyer.