Template residential lease agreement between a lessor and a lessee for a dwelling in Malta. Long private residential leases are governed by the Private Residential Leases Act (Chapter 604) together with the Civil Code (Chapter 16). The law requires the lease to be in writing, registered with the Housing Authority, and to state the parties, the property, the rent, the duration and the conditions for renewal and termination.
📄 Residential Lease Agreement
RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
THE LESSOR: [full name], holder of identity card / passport No. [number], of [address], hereinafter referred to as the "Lessor".
THE LESSEE: [full name], holder of identity card / passport No. [number], of [address], hereinafter referred to as the "Lessee".
1. THE PREMISES
The Lessor leases to the Lessee the dwelling situated at [full address], together with its fixtures and fittings as listed in the inventory annexed hereto, to be used exclusively as the Lessee's private residence.
2. DURATION
The lease is granted for a period of [number] year(s), commencing on [date] and expiring on [date]. Any renewal shall take place only in accordance with the Private Residential Leases Act.
3. RENT
The monthly rent is [amount] EUR ([amount in words]), payable in advance by the [number] day of each month by [bank transfer to IBAN / other means]. Any variation of the rent shall be made only within the limits and in the manner allowed by law.
4. DEPOSIT
The Lessee pays to the Lessor a security deposit of [amount] EUR, to be refunded at the end of the lease, less any sums lawfully due for damage or unpaid rent.
5. UTILITIES AND EXPENSES
The Lessee shall pay for water, electricity and other consumption charges relating to the premises during the lease. Condominium and structural expenses remain the responsibility of the Lessor unless otherwise agreed in writing.
6. OBLIGATIONS OF THE LESSEE
The Lessee shall keep the premises in a good state of repair, use them with the diligence of a bonus paterfamilias, not sublet or assign without the Lessor's written consent, and return the premises in the condition received, save for fair wear and tear.
7. OBLIGATIONS OF THE LESSOR
The Lessor shall deliver the premises in a habitable condition, guarantee the Lessee's peaceful enjoyment and carry out the structural repairs for which the Lessor is responsible at law.
8. REGISTRATION
This lease shall be registered with the Housing Authority in accordance with the Private Residential Leases Act.
9. TERMINATION
Either party may terminate or withdraw from the lease only by giving written notice within the periods and under the conditions laid down by the Private Residential Leases Act.
10. GOVERNING LAW
This agreement is governed by the laws of Malta, and the Maltese courts shall have jurisdiction over any dispute arising from it.
Signed in duplicate at [place], on [date].
The Lessor: ______________________ The Lessee: ______________________
Frequently asked questions
Does a residential lease in Malta have to be in writing and registered?
Yes. Under the Private Residential Leases Act a private residential lease must be made in writing and registered with the Housing Authority; an unregistered lease exposes the lessor to penalties.
How much notice is needed to end the lease?
The notice periods and the right to withdraw depend on the type and length of the lease and are fixed by the Private Residential Leases Act. Notice must always be given in writing within the statutory period.
Can the rent be increased during the lease?
Rent can be revised only within the limits and in the manner allowed by the Private Residential Leases Act; unilateral increases outside those rules are not enforceable.