Does the lease have to be in writing?

No. Oral leases for one year or less are as binding and enforceable as written leases, but oral agreements are much more difficult to prove. A lease for longer than one year must be in writing to be enforced by the courts. Regardless of how long the lease is, to avoid hassle and problems, get it in writing.

Show All Answers

1. What is a lease?
2. Does the lease have to be in writing?
3. What should the lease cover?
4. What can be done about violence or drugs on the premises?
5. How should the lease be signed?
6. What happens to the lease if the apartment building or house is sold to a new owner?
7. Do roommates have obligations under the lease?
8. What happens to the lease if the tenant remains after the lease term ends - holdover tenant?
9. Are all clauses in a lease legal?
10. Can a landlord refuse to rent to a prospective tenant?