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 Indiana, the landlord-tenant relationship is primarily governed by state statutes, which outline the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. The Indiana Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, found in Indiana Code Title 32, Article 31, provides the legal framework for residential leases. This act covers various aspects of the relationship, including lease agreements, security deposits, rent, property maintenance, and the process for eviction. Commercial leases are also regulated by state law, but they are generally subject to the terms of the lease agreement and common law principles, as they are not covered by the residential act. Both residential and commercial leases allow the tenant to use the property for a specific purpose and duration, in exchange for rent. It's important to note that while the lease agreement is central to the landlord-tenant relationship, state law may override or fill in gaps in the lease terms. For personal property leases, the parties are indeed referred to as lessor and lessee, and these transactions are governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in Indiana, as well as other relevant state laws.