> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.rentzap.com/help-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.rentzap.com/help-docs/guides/criteria-building-guide/lease-terms-and-requirements.md).

# Lease Terms & Requirements

#### Lease Start Date (Hold Period)

What it controls: How long an approved applicant can hold the property vacant between approval and move-in.

Default Setting: 21 days

Common Range: 15-50 days

Example: If you set this to 30 days and approve an applicant on January 1st, they have until January 31st to move in and start paying rent.

**What Happens Outside Your Range**

Rentzap uses a grace period (typically 7-14 days) to handle requests outside your preferred range:

* Within grace period: We process the application normally. If approved, we'll reach out to confirm their flexibility on move-in dates.
* Outside grace period: We contact the applicant before processing to confirm they can move within your acceptable timeframe. If not, we don't process their application.

Why this matters: This prevents wasting time and application fees on applicants who can't meet your timeline.