Which document is essential for establishing landlord-tenant relationships?

The lease agreement is the foundational document required to establish the landlord-tenant relationship. It serves as a legally binding contract between the landlord and the tenant, outlining the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement. This document typically includes critical information such as the duration of the lease, rental amount, payment due dates, responsibilities for maintenance and repairs, and guidelines regarding the use of the property. By clearly defining the expectations and obligations of both parties, the lease agreement provides a framework for the relationship and helps prevent misunderstandings or disputes.

Other documents, such as a property management agreement, primarily pertain to the relationship between the property owner and the property management company, rather than directly connecting landlord and tenant. A disclosure statement may provide important information about the property but does not establish the terms of the rental arrangement itself. Similarly, a move-in condition report is useful for documenting the property's condition at the time of tenant occupancy but does not create or define the landlord-tenant relationship. Therefore, the lease agreement is the essential document that solidifies the terms of the rental arrangement and outlines the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved.