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 Massachusetts, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by state statutes that outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties. These laws cover various aspects of the leasing process, including the execution of lease agreements, security deposits, rent payments, maintenance of the premises, and the procedures for eviction. Residential leases allow tenants to use the property for living purposes, while commercial leases pertain to business use, such as offices or retail spaces. The lease agreement, which is typically in written form, specifies the duration of the lease, the amount of rent, and other terms agreed upon by the landlord and tenant. Massachusetts law requires landlords to maintain properties in habitable condition and to adhere to health and safety codes. Tenants are obligated to pay rent on time and use the property as intended. The state also has specific regulations regarding security deposits, notice periods for lease termination, and the eviction process, which must be followed to protect the rights of both landlords and tenants. It is important to note that leases for personal property, such as vehicles or equipment, involve lessors and lessees and are subject to different legal provisions than those for real property.