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 Connecticut, 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 relationship, including but not limited to, the terms of the lease agreement, security deposits, rent increases, maintenance of the premises, and the eviction process. The lease agreement, which is typically in written form, sets forth the specific terms agreed upon by the landlord (lessor) and tenant (lessee), such as the purpose of the leased property, the duration of the lease, and the amount of rent. For residential leases, this includes the tenant's right to a habitable living space and the landlord's right to receive rent in a timely manner. Commercial leases similarly allow a tenant to use the property for business purposes. Connecticut law also provides specific procedures for addressing disputes between landlords and tenants, and there are legal remedies available for both parties should the other fail to uphold their obligations under the lease. It is important for both landlords and tenants in Connecticut to understand these laws and their implications on the leasing relationship. An attorney specializing in landlord-tenant law can provide guidance specific to individual situations.