Is it legal for the landlord to block out the portion of the lease that deals with deposit receipts and holding the deposit in escrow and informing the renter how and where the money is held. If so does this have to be initialed by both signers?

If You Don't Agree To What He Blocks Out Don't Sign. A Lease Is A Contract Parties Can Add Of Remove Items They Don't Agree With.

There are certain minimums that a state might cover in reference to deposits etc. A lease can cover more than the minimum but not less.

Remember also, that many landlords use standard forms they buy in a stationary store. So they might then adjust that form to their own situation. You do have to iniital any changes, so if you don't like it, then don't sign.

Also landlords are required to follow state law, even if certain terms and requirements are not mentioned in a lease, if they are state law, he has to follow them.

If a leave violates the law, it is not legal and would not be valid, since a contact can not be based on a illegal activity.