Residential and Commercial Lease Agreements

In this course, we will explore the historical origins of the lease agreement from feudal times through its evolution to the contemporary, “contract law” iteration. Discussions will consider the lease’s beginning as a conveyance of an estate in real property and its similarities to other types of conveyance and interests. Mr. Resko will also review and discuss the persistence of these original concepts in today’s commercial leasing concepts and the differences between commercial and residential lease agreements and statutory law, including the Revised Uniform Residential Landlord Tenant Act (“RURLTA”).

This course is intended to provide an understanding of ideas and concepts for new attorneys or experienced attorneys who do not practice in the areas of commercial or residential leasing or landlord-tenant law.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify the origins of a lease agreement
• Compare the “lease covenants” in the context of the origins of the lease
• Analyze the evolution of the lease into the modern iterations of commercial and residential lease agreements
• Discuss the RURLTA and compare its provisions with the laws of certain states that have not enacted it
• Review modern residential landlord-tenant laws and tenant protections
• Lease remedies and other provisions as means to manage commercial and residential landlord-tenant litigation outcomes and costs