Landlord and Tenant Law refers to the body of statutes, agency rules, and common laws governing the legal rights, responsibilities, and protections pertaining to the relationship between property owners and their tenants. This legal framework is present to control the rental of commercial and residential properties, and it often involves aspects like lease agreements, security deposits, eviction procedures, repairs, maintenance, and much more. Several regulations within these laws are intended to prevent exploitation from either side and to maintain a fair, safe, and healthy rental environment.
The laws vary significantly from one jurisdiction to another but often balance the legitimate interests of both parties. For example, tenants have the right to a habitable living environment, while landlords have the right to receive regular rent payments. Also, these laws dictate the procedures for handling rental disputes. For instance, a landlord cannot forcibly evict a tenant without going through the legal eviction process. Simultaneously, tenants are expected to adhere to the terms laid out in their rental/lease agreement, like paying rent on time and taking care of the property. Thus, Landlord and Tenant Law creates an equitable structure for both property owners and tenants to coexist, fostering a beneficial relationship between them.