A sample rental contract is a basic standard rental contract, also called a lease or a rental agreement. Sample rental contracts are non-binding forms and are generally used for reference only, as a starting point to creating a more specific rental contract. A tenant should not be asked to sign a sample rental contract. Some landlords may obtain a sample lease, then alter and amend it to fit their specific needs. Rental contracts are state specific and change frequently, so a sample lease will not work in every state. Landlords who want to create a new lease may take a sample rental contract to a lawyer, who will then tailor the sample contract to include specifics and make it legal in the landlords state. Landlords may also give prospective tenants a sample rental contract to read before making a commitment and signing a legally binding lease.