When it comes to renting a property, there are certain legal documents that must be signed to ensure the landlord and tenant are on the same page. Two of the most common documents are a notary and a rental agreement. While both may seem similar, they serve different purposes and understanding the differences between the two is important.

A notary is a public official appointed by the state government who verifies the identity of the signers of legal documents. The notary’s role is to witness the signing of a document and ensure that the person signing it is who they say they are. They also ensure that the signer is not under duress or being coerced into signing the document. The notary also verifies that the signer has read and understood the document they are about to sign.

On the other hand, a rental agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms and conditions of a rental agreement between the landlord and tenant. It covers important details like the rental period, rent amount, security deposit, and any rules and regulations of the property. The rental agreement also outlines the responsibilities of both the landlord and tenant, such as maintenance and repairs, and what actions can be taken if the agreement is violated.

While a notary is not required for a rental agreement to be legally binding, it can be beneficial to have one present to ensure that both parties understand what they are agreeing to. It can also provide an added level of protection if the agreement is ever disputed in court.

In summary, a notary and rental agreement serve different purposes in a rental agreement. A notary witnesses the signing of a legal document and ensures the signer is who they say they are, while a rental agreement outlines the terms and conditions of a rental agreement between the landlord and tenant. While a notary is not required for a rental agreement to be legally binding, it can provide added benefits to ensure both parties understand and agree to the terms of the agreement.