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 Louisiana, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by state statutes which outline the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. This relationship typically arises from a lease agreement, which is a legally binding contract where the landlord (lessor) agrees to allow the tenant (lessee) to use a residential or commercial property for a specified purpose and duration in exchange for rent. The lease agreement should detail the terms of the tenancy, including the length of the lease, the amount of rent, the payment schedule, and the obligations of both parties regarding maintenance and repairs. Louisiana law requires landlords to provide habitable premises and respect tenants' rights to quiet enjoyment of the property, while tenants are generally required to pay rent on time and maintain the property in good condition. The state's landlord-tenant laws cover various aspects such as security deposits, eviction procedures, and the rights of both parties in the event of a breach of the lease. It is important for both landlords and tenants to understand their legal rights and obligations under Louisiana law to ensure a fair and compliant landlord-tenant relationship.