contracts

rider

A rider is a separate document attached to a contract that adds terms, conditions, or provisions and becomes part of the agreement once signed. Riders are common in purchase contracts, leases, and mortgages, covering topics like homeowners association rules, pets, condominium terms, or adjustable-rate features. In everyday practice the term is often used interchangeably with addendum. Both parties must agree to and sign it.

Exam tip
Riders and addenda are added at signing to supply additional terms; an amendment changes terms of a contract that already exists.
Example
A lease includes a pet rider requiring a $300 pet deposit and limiting the tenant to one dog under 40 pounds.

Related terms & state variants

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Last verified: 2026-10-23