Which leases require that the lease be in writing?

The correct answer is that all leases for longer than one year must be in writing. This requirement is established by the Statute of Frauds, which mandates that certain agreements, including real estate leases that exceed one year, must be documented in writing to be enforceable. The rationale behind this law is to provide clarity and protection for all parties involved, ensuring that terms are explicitly stated and reducing the potential for disputes.

Leases that are for one year or less may be valid even if they are oral, although having a written agreement is always advisable for clarity and to avoid misunderstandings. Month-to-month leases also fall under this consideration; they can be verbal, though having them in writing is a best practice. The requirement specifically targets leases extending beyond one year, emphasizing the need for documented terms in longer agreements where the commitment and potential for dispute are significantly higher.