What is required for a valid lease agreement?

A valid lease agreement must usually be in writing if it is intended to last for more than one year. This requirement stems from the Statute of Frauds, which is a legal principle that necessitates certain types of contracts, including those related to real property, to be in writing to be enforceable. When a lease term exceeds one year, having a written document provides clarity on the terms and may protect the rights of the parties involved, which is critical in real estate transactions.

While it is true that some leases can be verbal or inferred from conduct, this generally applies to leases of one year or less, as they can be enforceable without a written agreement. A lease that is not specified in writing for terms longer than one year could lead to disputes regarding the terms of the lease and the intentions of the parties. A signature from just one party, specifically the landlord, is also not sufficient to make a lease valid; typically, both parties should sign the agreement. Additionally, while some leases can be informal, having specified terms like duration is generally advisable to avoid misunderstandings about the lease's intent and obligations.