Can you sign a lease electronically? Yes, and with SignTime it’s easy!

Signing a lease is one of the most important steps in renting a property. It locks in the terms, protects both landlord and tenant, and provides a written record everyone can rely on. Traditionally, this meant in-person meetings and stacks of paper.

Electronic signing changes that. A lease can now be sent, reviewed, and signed in minutes from any device. With SignTime, the process goes even further—landlords can text the lease directly to a tenant’s phone, who can then sign on the spot. That means less waiting, faster move-ins, and a smoother rental experience for everyone.

See why businesses are rushing to SignTime’s feature-packed contract repository system.

What is a lease agreement?

A lease agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant. It defines the terms of renting a property, including rent amount, payment schedule, and length of stay. It also outlines the rights and responsibilities of each party.

Most leases also include rules about property use, maintenance, and renewal. By signing, both parties agree to follow these terms for the duration of the lease.

When and why leases are signed

Leases are signed before a tenant moves in, often after application approval and final agreement on terms. Signing makes the arrangement official and enforceable under the law.

A signed lease protects the landlord by guaranteeing rent and property care. It protects the tenant by confirming the right to live in the property and detailing what the landlord must provide. Clear agreements reduce misunderstandings and help avoid costly disputes later.

The legality of electronic lease signing

In most countries, electronic signatures are legally recognized when certain requirements are met. In the United States, the E-SIGN Act and the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA) confirm that an electronic signature carries the same weight as one written on paper.

Other regions follow similar rules. Canada’s Electronic Commerce Act and the European Union’s eIDAS regulation also make electronic signatures valid in most lease agreements. To be enforceable, the signature process must capture clear intent to sign, associate the signature with the document, and maintain secure records.

Difference between electronic and digital signatures

An electronic signature is any electronic mark or process that indicates agreement, such as a drawn name or typed initials. A digital signature is a specific type of electronic signature that uses encryption to verify identity and protect the document from tampering.

Both can be legally binding, but digital signatures offer stronger authentication and document security. Platforms like SignTime can provide either, depending on the landlord’s or tenant’s needs.

Benefits of signing leases electronically

Electronic signing transforms the leasing process from a slow, paper-bound task into a fast, secure, and accessible experience. Both landlords and tenants gain measurable advantages, from saving time to improving document safety. 

The following benefits apply whether you manage one property or hundreds, and they make the entire rental process smoother:

1. Sign from anywhere
2. Reduce move-in delays
3. Lower administrative costs
4. Keep documents secure
5. Store and retrieve leases easily
6. Track the signing process in real time

Sign from anywhere

Electronic signing removes the need for both parties to be in the same location. A landlord can send the lease from their office, and the tenant can sign while sitting at home, commuting, or traveling abroad.

This flexibility is especially useful in competitive rental markets where timing matters. Being able to sign on the go means neither side has to lose a day to scheduling conflicts, which can help secure a property or tenant before someone else does.

Reduce move-in delays

In traditional leasing, a late signature can push back a move-in date. Electronic signing speeds up this process by allowing contracts to be finalized in minutes rather than days.

For property managers, this reduces vacancy periods. For tenants, it removes the uncertainty of waiting for paperwork to arrive by mail or be signed in person. The result is a faster handover of keys and a smoother start to the tenancy.

Lower administrative costs

Paper-based leasing involves printing, mailing, and sometimes courier fees. These costs add up over time, especially for landlords managing multiple properties.

Electronic signing eliminates most of these expenses. The process happens entirely online, reducing not only material costs but also the staff time spent tracking documents. The savings can then be invested in other parts of the rental business, such as property improvements or marketing.

Keep documents secure

Security is a major advantage of electronic signing platforms. They use encryption and authentication measures to ensure that only authorized parties can view or sign the document.

Unlike paper leases, which can be lost or damaged, electronically signed leases are stored digitally and protected from physical risks. This helps prevent fraud and ensures that the agreement remains exactly as it was when signed.

Store and retrieve leases easily

Finding a paper lease in a filing cabinet can take minutes or even hours. With electronic signing, all agreements are stored digitally, often with advanced search functions.

Landlords and tenants can retrieve a signed lease in seconds, whether they need it for a renewal, a dispute, or tax purposes. This accessibility reduces frustration and ensures that important documents are never misplaced.

Track the signing process in real time

One advantage unique to digital signing is the ability to see exactly where a document is in the process. Landlords can check if a tenant has opened, reviewed, or signed the lease.

This real-time tracking allows for faster follow-up when needed and helps avoid misunderstandings about whether a document was received. It also builds trust, as both parties can be confident that the process is transparent and up to date.

Get leases signed faster with SignTime

Electronic lease signing brings clear benefits to landlords and tenants alike. SignTime makes the process even easier by offering flexible signing options and seamless mobile access.

Landlords can send lease documents instantly via SMS, allowing tenants to review and sign from their phones without delays. Multiple signature methods—uploading, drawing with a patented tool, or automatically generating legible signatures—ensure every user’s preference is met.

With SignTime, leases are signed faster, stored securely, and tracked in real time. This speeds up move-ins, reduces administrative burdens, and improves the rental experience from start to finish. 

Download our brochure to see whether SignTime might be a fit for your organization.