What is required for a lease to be considered enforceable under the Statute of Frauds?

For a lease to be considered enforceable under the Statute of Frauds, it must be in writing if it is for a term longer than one year. This legal requirement exists to prevent fraudulent claims and misunderstandings regarding the terms and conditions of a lease agreement. By having the lease documented, both parties have a clear record of their agreement, which is crucial for enforcing the rights and obligations tied to the lease.

The Statute of Frauds typically requires that certain types of contracts, including those related to real property, be in writing to be enforceable. This provision aims to reduce the risk of one party claiming an agreement that was never actually made. Therefore, for any lease that extends beyond a single year, to be valid and enforceable, it must be properly documented and signed by the parties involved.

An important aspect is that oral leases for a period of one year or less may be enforceable, which is why an option suggesting a verbal agreement would not align with this requirement. Similarly, while notarization might add an extra layer of authenticity, it is not a universal requirement under the Statute of Frauds for leases, which is why those options do not fulfill the requirements set forth for enforceability.