Rental agreement (lease)
The written or oral agreement that sets the terms for using and occupying a rental unit.
Statutes treat the rental agreement broadly. Arizona includes written, oral and implied agreements, plus valid rules adopted by the landlord (A.R.S. §33-1310(13)). Texas defines a lease as any written or oral agreement that establishes or modifies the terms of use and occupancy (§92.001(3)).
Some protections require a written lease: Washington allows a deposit only under a written rental agreement (RCW 59.18.260(1)), and a Texas late fee must be in a written lease (§92.019).
Statutory definition
"Rental agreement" means an agreement that establishes or modifies the terms, conditions, rules, regulations, or any other provisions concerning the use and occupancy of a rental unit.
MCL 554.601(b)
Definitions and rules come from each state’s official statute text. This is general information, not legal advice. All terms