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 North Carolina, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by state statutes which outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties. These laws cover various aspects of the rental agreement for both residential and commercial properties, including the terms of the lease, security deposits, rent payments, maintenance of the property, and the process for eviction. The lease agreement, which is typically in written form, is a binding contract that specifies the duration of the lease, the amount of rent, the purpose of the leased premises, and other conditions agreed upon by the landlord and tenant. North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS) Chapter 42, titled 'Landlord and Tenant,' provides the specific legal framework for these relationships. It is important for both landlords and tenants to understand their legal rights and obligations under this chapter to ensure compliance with state law. For personal property leases, the parties are referred to as lessor and lessee, and while some of the principles of property law may apply, the specific regulations can differ from those governing real property leases.