What document governs the relationship between landlord and tenant?

The lease or rental agreement is the primary document that outlines the terms and conditions of the relationship between the landlord and tenant. This agreement serves as a contract that details the rights and responsibilities of both parties, including aspects such as rent amount, payment due dates, duration of tenancy, maintenance responsibilities, and provisions for terminating the agreement.

By laying out the specific commitments of each party, the lease helps to prevent misunderstandings and disputes. In many jurisdictions, including Oklahoma, this document is essential for ensuring that both the landlord and tenant are aware of and agree to the regulations governing their lease arrangement.

While state laws on tenancy provide a legal framework that governs landlord-tenant relations, the lease itself is what directly governs their specific relationship. Documents like the property title and inspection reports do not define the terms of the landlord-tenant relationship; rather, they serve different purposes in property management and ownership.