Minneapolis Property Leasing Lawyer

Leasing & Landlord/Tenant

In real estate, a landlord is the owner of a house, apartment, condominium, or other form of real estate which is leased to a different individual or business. This separate party is often called the tenant. The practice of landlords overseeing a property can be traced back to the Roman Empire and the manorial system. In this method of ownership, peasants were bound to the land, had by growing crops, and depended on their landlords for protection and justice.

The relationship between a landlord and tenant begins with the signing of a written contract called a lease. The lease is a rental agreement which outlines the price paid for using the property, penalties for late payments, the length of stay, and the amount of notice required before either party ends the renting relationship. Additionally, many landlords hire property managers who oversee all the details of the property, such as maintenance, finding new tenants, and maintaining current tenant satisfaction.

In the United States, tenant and landlord disputes are primarily governed by state law. Certain restrictions on landlords include acceptable reasons for the eviction of a tenant, maximum rent charges, and maintaining a certain level of livability of the housing. In contrast with good living conditions, the term “slumlord” is used to describe a property owner who oversees dilapidated living spaces, usually in low-income areas.

Although most tenant and landlord leasing relationships are positive, disagreements sometimes arise. If you are experiencing a leasing dispute, contact the experienced Minneapolis property leasing lawyers of Skjold Barthel today at 612.746.2560 to discuss your specific situation.