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 Vermont, 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 rental agreement for both residential and commercial properties. The lease agreement, which is typically in written form, sets the terms for the tenant's use of the property, the duration of the lease, and the amount of rent to be paid. Vermont's rental laws address issues such as security deposits, lease termination, eviction procedures, maintenance and repair obligations, and the handling of abandoned property. It's important for both landlords and tenants to understand these regulations to ensure compliance and to protect their respective rights. For personal property leases, the terms lessor and lessee are used instead of landlord and tenant, and while some similar principles may apply, the specific laws and regulations can differ from those governing real property leases.