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 Kansas, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by a combination of state statutes and the terms of the lease agreement. The Kansas Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (K.S.A. 58-2540 et seq.) primarily regulates residential leases, setting forth the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. This includes provisions on security deposits, lease terms, the maintenance of the premises, and the process for eviction. For commercial leases, while some statutes may apply, the terms of the lease agreement often play a more significant role, as there is more flexibility for parties to negotiate terms. Both residential and commercial leases allow the tenant to use the property for a specified purpose and duration in exchange for rent. It's important to note that leases for personal property, such as vehicles or equipment, are governed by different laws and the parties are referred to as lessor and lessee, not landlord and tenant. In all cases, it is advisable for parties entering into a lease agreement to carefully review and understand their rights and obligations under both the lease and applicable Kansas law.