Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Business Law Practice Exam

What is true regarding the relationship between a landlord and a tenant?

1. The landlord has no obligations to the tenant

2. The tenant has no rights once they sign a lease

3. The lease contract outlines the rights and duties of both parties

4. The landlord can evict the tenant without notice

The correct answer is: The lease contract outlines the rights and duties of both parties

The correct choice highlights that the lease contract serves as the foundational document that specifies the rights and duties of both the landlord and the tenant. This contract legally binds both parties, outlining important elements such as the duration of the lease, the rent amount, maintenance responsibilities, and other obligations each party must fulfill. By establishing these rights and duties clearly, the lease helps to prevent misunderstandings and conflicts during the tenancy, ensuring both parties are aware of their rights and responsibilities. The other choices do not accurately reflect the landlord-tenant relationship. For example, a landlord indeed has specific obligations, such as maintaining the property in a habitable condition, which contradicts the idea that they have no obligations. Additionally, tenants retain certain rights even after signing a lease, such as the right to a safe living environment and protection against unlawful eviction. Lastly, landlords are generally required to provide notice before evicting a tenant, in accordance with local laws, making the assertion that they can evict without notice incorrect. Therefore, the lease contract is essential in defining and protecting the interests of both parties involved in the rental agreement.