The information and opinions presented are those of the staff of the Housing Resource Center who are solely responsible for any errors or omissions. Any questions about your legal rights as a tenant or possible legal action should be discussed with a attorney. Renewal Leases are contracts . A lease is a contract between you and the landlord. It describes a legal agreement in which you are given possession of an apartment, owned by the landlord, in which to live for a specific length of time.
Contracts can be long or short, simple or complex.
Contracts can be oral but normally are in writing in order to be enforced. Legal actions to enforce a lease are usually brought to the district magistrate but could be brought to another court depending upon what is being charged or what relief is being sought. Leases must be signed by both parties . They do not have to be witnessed although landlords may choose to have a staff member formally witness the signature. In Pennsylvania, you must be over 18 to legally sign a contract.