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 Utah, the landlord-tenant relationship is governed by the Utah Code, particularly Title 57, which covers Real Estate, and Title 78B, which pertains to the Judiciary and Judicial Administration. These statutes regulate various aspects of the relationship, including the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, the requirements for lease agreements, and the procedures for addressing disputes. A lease agreement, whether for residential or commercial property, typically outlines the terms under which the tenant can use the property, the duration of the lease, and the rent amount. The lease must comply with state laws, such as the Utah Fit Premises Act, which requires landlords to maintain rental properties in a condition fit for human habitation. Additionally, the Utah Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing-related activities. For personal property leases, the parties are indeed referred to as lessor and lessee, and while some of the principles of real property leases may apply, the specific regulations can differ and are often governed by the Uniform Commercial Code as adopted in Utah.