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 New Jersey, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by both the lease agreement and state statutes, which provide a legal framework for residential and commercial tenancies. The New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.) outlines specific grounds upon which a landlord can evict a tenant, such as non-payment of rent or violation of lease terms, and establishes the legal process for eviction. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs publishes the 'Truth in Renting' guide, which is a resource for understanding the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants in residential leases. For commercial leases, while some protections for tenants exist, the terms of the lease largely dictate the relationship, as commercial tenants are generally considered more knowledgeable and less in need of protection than residential tenants. Security deposit regulations, habitability requirements, and notice periods for lease termination or rent increases are also dictated by New Jersey law. It's important for both landlords and tenants to understand their legal rights and obligations under the lease and applicable state laws to ensure a fair and lawful tenancy.