When a landlord rents a property to a tenant, a rental contract form is used to outline in writing both parties rights and responsibilities. A rental contract form may be used to rent a property on a week to week or month to month basis, or for a longer, fixed period of time such as six months or a year. A rental contract form will generally state the amount of rent to be paid, as well as other specific provisions such as rules about pets and smoking on the premises or rules regarding painting and other cosmetic changes. A tenant may be required to pay a security deposit before signing a rental contract. Once the form is signed by both parties, a legal agreement is entered into and both parties are required to uphold the terms of the rental contract. Violating the terms of a rental contract can result in financial penalties or court action.