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Real estate paperwork usually brings to mind mortgages, deeds, or loan packages. But another important document that often flies under the radar is the lease agreement or rental contract. These aren’t small details in a housing transaction. They’re the foundation of the landlord–tenant relationship, and in many cases, notaries are called on to make sure they’re executed properly and hold legal weight.
Let’s break down what you need to know so you feel confident the next time someone asks you to notarize a lease or rental agreement.
Why Lease Agreements Sometimes Need a Notary
In both the U.S. and Canada, not every lease or rental contract requires notarization. Many landlords and tenants are fine with a signed document. But there are situations where notarization adds an extra layer of security:
The lease is long-term, often more than a year.
The property management company or landlord wants extra verification.
A tenant or landlord wants to prevent disputes by proving the signatures are authentic.
By notarizing the lease, you’re not validating the terms of the agreement, you’re simply confirming that the people signing are who they say they are. That’s powerful in any legal dispute.
What a Notary Actually Does During the Signing
When you’re brought in to notarize a lease or rental contract, your role is straightforward but important. You’ll:
Verify the identities of the landlord, tenant, or property manager signing.
Ensure everyone understands what they’re signing and is doing so willingly.
Add your notarial certificate and seal to confirm the signatures are genuine.
It’s not your job to review or explain the terms of the lease. That part belongs to the landlord, tenant, or sometimes an attorney. Staying in your lane protects both you and your clients.
A Real-World Example
Imagine a tenant renting a commercial space for a small bakery. The lease runs for five years, and the landlord wants assurance that everything is airtight. By having the agreement notarized, both sides gain peace of mind that the document will stand strong if disagreements come up later.
This same scenario happens often in residential leases too, especially with multi-year contracts. A notary’s seal can help keep both parties accountable.
How to Position Yourself for These Requests
Notaries who want to expand their business should make sure landlords, real estate investors, and property management companies know they handle lease agreements. You can market this service in a few ways:
Add “Lease and Rental Agreement Notarization” to your website or business card.
Network with local real estate offices or property management groups.
Share short educational posts on social media to let people know why notarization is useful for leases.
These small moves can turn into steady referral streams, especially in areas with active rental markets.
Notarizing lease agreements and rental contracts might not sound glamorous, but it’s an important part of protecting both landlords and tenants. It’s also a smart way for notaries to show their value outside of loan signings or apostille work.
If you’re ready to keep growing and tapping into new opportunities like this, I invite you to join us inside The Notary Blueprint® Community. You’ll get the tools, training, and community support you need to scale your notary business with confidence.
