Landlord / Tenant refers to the relationship between (1) the owner or lessor (landlord) of residential or commercial real property known as the leased premises and (2) the occupant or lessee (the tenant) of the leased premises—often a home or office building or space. This relationship is defined by the (usually written) lease agreement signed by the landlord and tenant, and the laws governing the landlord / tenant relationship—which are usually located in a state’s statutes.

A residential or commercial lease of real property (real estate) allows the tenant or lessee to use the property and the improvements on the property—generally a building structure such as a home, office, store, or warehouse, for example—for a stated purpose (such as for a residential dwelling or the operation of a hair salon) and for a fixed period of time (the term of the lease), in exchange for the payment of rent.

Personal property—including automobiles, computers, heavy equipment, machines, home appliances, and other tangible, movable goods—may also be leased, but the parties to a lease of personal property (as opposed to real property) are not referred to as landlord and tenant, but as lessor and lessee.

In Alabama, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by the Alabama Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA) for residential leases, and common law and individual lease agreements for commercial leases. The URLTA outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants in residential settings, including the handling of security deposits, notice periods for lease termination, and the process for addressing repairs and maintenance. Landlords must ensure that the property is habitable and meets health and safety standards, while tenants are required to pay rent on time and maintain the property. For commercial leases, the terms are largely dictated by the lease agreement itself, although certain state laws regarding the landlord's and tenant's conduct still apply. Both residential and commercial leases typically specify the use of the property, the term of the lease, and the rent amount. It's important for both parties to understand their legal obligations under the lease and state law. An attorney can provide specific guidance on the interpretation and enforcement of lease terms and state statutes.