Cash for Keys Agreement

Tentunit Template Library · Version 1.0 · [TEMPLATE — review before use]

Important: This is a general-purpose template provided for convenience under the Tentunit Templates Disclaimer & Jurisdiction Notice. It is not legal advice and is not state-specific unless expressly labeled. Landlord–tenant requirements (notice periods, day counts, service methods, disclosures) vary by jurisdiction and change over time. Verify against current local law — or consult a licensed attorney — before use. Complete every [BRACKETED FIELD] and delete instructions in italics before sending.

Consult counsel where eviction is pending; do not use to circumvent legal process. Some jurisdictions regulate move-out or “buyout” agreements — requiring specific disclosures, rescission periods, or filings (notably in some rent-controlled cities) — and an agreement signed under pressure may be voidable. Delete all italic instructions before signing.

1. Parties and Premises

This Cash for Keys Agreement (“Agreement”) is made on [DATE] between [LANDLORD/OWNER NAME] (“Landlord”) and [TENANT/OCCUPANT NAME(S)] (“Resident”) regarding the premises at [PROPERTY ADDRESS, UNIT #, CITY, STATE, ZIP] (the “Premises”), occupied under [LEASE DATED [LEASE DATE] / MONTH-TO-MONTH TENANCY / OTHER: [DESCRIBE]].

2. Voluntary Agreement

Resident voluntarily agrees to vacate and surrender the Premises in exchange for the payment described below. Resident acknowledges having had the opportunity to seek independent legal advice before signing, and that this Agreement is entered into freely and without coercion.

3. Payment

Landlord shall pay Resident a total of $[PAYMENT AMOUNT] (the “Payment”), by [PAYMENT METHOD: CASHIER’S CHECK / CERTIFIED FUNDS / OTHER], conditioned on Resident’s full performance of Sections 4–6.

4. Surrender Date and Condition Standards

Resident shall vacate and surrender the Premises no later than [TIME, e.g., 12:00 PM] on [SURRENDER DATE] (the “Surrender Date”), leaving the Premises:

1. Broom-clean, with all trash and debris removed;
2. Free of damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, consistent with the move-in condition report dated [MOVE-IN INSPECTION DATE OR “N/A”];
3. With all fixtures, appliances, and included furnishings in place and in working order;
4. With utilities in Resident’s name active through the Surrender Date and then closed or transferred: [LIST UTILITIES].

5. Personal Property Removal

Resident shall remove all personal property and all occupants, pets, and vehicles associated with the tenancy by the Surrender Date. Any property remaining after surrender will be deemed abandoned and handled under applicable abandoned-property law, and reasonable removal/storage costs may be deducted from the Payment to the extent the law allows.

6. Keys, Fobs, and Access Devices

By the Surrender Date, Resident shall deliver to [NAME/LOCATION FOR RETURN] all keys, key fobs, garage remotes, mailbox keys, parking passes, and other access devices: [LIST DEVICES AND QUANTITIES]. Surrender is not complete until all access devices are returned and possession is delivered.

7. Inspection and Payment Timing

Landlord (or Landlord’s agent) will inspect the Premises within [NUMBER] hours after Resident returns keys and delivers possession. If the conditions of Sections 4–6 are met, Landlord shall deliver the Payment to Resident within [NUMBER] business days after the inspection, by the method in Section 3, to: [DELIVERY ADDRESS / PICKUP ARRANGEMENT]. If conditions are not met, Landlord shall provide a written list of deficiencies and may [REDUCE THE PAYMENT BY DOCUMENTED COSTS / DECLARE THIS AGREEMENT VOID], to the extent permitted by law.

8. Security Deposit

The security deposit of $[DEPOSIT AMOUNT] shall be handled separately under the lease and applicable deposit law, including itemization and return within [NUMBER OF DAYS REQUIRED IN YOUR JURISDICTION] days after surrender (commonly 14–45 days depending on state). Resident’s forwarding address: [FORWARDING ADDRESS]. Do not treat the Payment and the deposit as interchangeable — deposit statutes still apply.

9. Mutual Release of Claims

Upon Resident’s full performance and Landlord’s delivery of the Payment, each party fully and finally releases the other from all claims, demands, and obligations arising out of the tenancy and its termination — including claims for unpaid rent through the Surrender Date [INCLUDE / EXCLUDE — CHOOSE ONE], holdover, and lease breach — except: (a) obligations under this Agreement itself; (b) the deposit accounting in Section 8; and (c) claims that cannot lawfully be released. If an eviction or other case is pending, the parties shall [DISMISS / SEEK A STIPULATED RESOLUTION OF] case no. [CASE NUMBER] in accordance with court rules. Court-connected settlements should be documented through the court — consult counsel.

10. No Admission; Entire Agreement

This Agreement is a compromise and is not an admission of fault or liability by either party. It is the entire agreement regarding the move-out and supersedes prior oral discussions. No modification is effective unless in writing and signed. Each party acknowledges receiving a signed copy.

LANDLORD

Signature: ___________________________ Date: [DATE] Printed name: [LANDLORD NAME] · Title: [TITLE OR “OWNER”] · Contact: [PHONE / EMAIL]

RESIDENT(S)

Signature: ___________________________ Date: [DATE] Printed name: [RESIDENT NAME]

Signature: ___________________________ Date: [DATE] Printed name: [ADDITIONAL RESIDENT NAME, IF ANY]

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Provided by Tentunit — see the Templates Disclaimer & Jurisdiction Notice at help.tentunit.com/policies/templates-disclaimer.