Notices & termination › Lease addendum

Lease addendum

A lease addendum adds a new clause or set of terms to an existing lease without modifying what is already there. Landlords use addenda to bolt on a pet policy, parking assignment, lead-paint disclosure, or bed-bug rider when circumstances change or when local law requires a specific disclosure. It must be signed by every party named on the original lease.

Popular addenda in 2026

Addendum	When needed
Pet addendum	Tenant acquires a pet after signing
Parking addendum	Garage or assigned spot added or reassigned
Lead-based-paint	Pre-1978 housing (federal 24 CFR 35)
Mold disclosure	California, Maryland, Virginia
Bed-bug addendum	NYC, Maine, Arizona statewide
Smoke-free addendum	Building policy change
HOA rules addendum	Condo or townhome rentals

Sample wording

LEASE ADDENDUM — [Topic]
This Addendum, dated [date], is made part of the Lease dated [original lease date] between [Landlord] and [Tenant] for the premises at [address].

The parties agree to the following additional terms: [insert new terms — e.g., pet rules, parking assignment, smoke-free policy].

All other provisions of the Lease remain in full force and effect. In the event of a conflict between the Lease and this Addendum, this Addendum shall control.

Landlord: _______________ Date: ________
Tenant: _______________ Date: ________

Federally required addenda

Lead-based-paint disclosure — mandatory for any rental built before 1978 under the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act. The tenant must receive the EPA pamphlet and sign.
Bed-bug disclosure — required in several jurisdictions including NYC (Local Law 69), Maine and Arizona.
Mold disclosure — required in California (Civ Code § 26147), Maryland and Virginia.

India practice

Addenda are uncommon in Indian 11-month leave-and-license agreements because every renewal is a fresh agreement. When used, they are usually titled "Schedule" or "Annexure" and attached at the end of the main agreement with all parties' signatures on the last page.

FAQs

What is a lease addendum?

A lease addendum is a written document attached to an existing lease that adds new terms without changing the existing ones. Common examples are pet addenda, parking addenda, lead-paint disclosures, and smoke-free-housing addenda.

Is a lease addendum legally binding?

Yes — once signed by all parties, an addendum has the same legal force as the original lease. It should reference the original lease by date and describe what it adds. Unsigned addenda or those signed by only one party are not enforceable.

What are common lease addenda?

Pet addendum, parking space addendum, lead-based-paint disclosure (federal law for pre-1978 housing), mold disclosure, bed-bug addendum (NYC and some states), HOA rules addendum and smoke-free addendum.