How to create a tenancy agreement or lease

Once you’ve found the perfect tenant, the next step is to formalize the relationship with a legally binding lease. At PropertyNow, we’ve digitized this entire process to ensure it is compliant with your specific state’s legislation while removing the need for scanning, printing, and chasing signatures. Here is your guide to creating a digital tenancy agreement and setting up your automated rent collection.

Our lease creator is designed to be a step-by-step wizard. The questions will adapt automatically based on the state your property is located in, ensuring you meet all your legal obligations as a landlord.

Step 1: Access the Lease Creator

1. Log in to your PropertyNow Dashboard.
2. Navigate to 'Manage Property and Edit Listings' on the left-hand menu.
3. Select 'Tenancy Agreements' and click 'Create New Tenancy Agreement'.

Step 2: Enter the Lease Details

You will move through five key sections. You can save your progress and return at any time:

• Tenancy Details: Names and contact information for you and all adult tenants.
• Lease Terms: Fixed-term vs. periodic, start date, rent amount, and payment frequency.
• Utilities: Who is responsible for electricity, gas, and water (and how it will be charged).
• Property Rules: Special terms such as approved pets, smoking rules, maximum occupants, and nominated repairers.
• Review: A final check of every detail before you send it to the tenant.

Step 3: The Digital Signing Workflow

Once you hit "Submit," our automated signature system takes over:

1. Tenant Review: Your tenant receives an email invitation to view and accept the terms.
2. Landlord Signature: After the tenant accepts, you will be emailed a link to sign the document digitally.
3. Tenant Signature: Once you’ve signed, it is automatically forwarded to the tenant for their final signature.
4. Completion: Both parties receive a final, fully executed copy of the lease via email for their records.

Step 4: Setting Up Rent Collection

The completion of the lease triggers the automated rent schedule. To get rent paid, both parties must verify their accounts:

• For Landlords: Go to your profile and add/verify the bank account where you want rent deposited.
• For Tenants: The tenant must add their bank account and setup the Direct Debit Agreement or Payto Agreement.

Updated on: 25/02/2026