For residential leases for terms longer than one year, what is required?

For residential leases with terms longer than one year, having the lease in writing is a legal requirement. This requirement is in place to ensure clarity and protect both parties' rights and responsibilities. A written lease provides a record of the agreement that can be referred to if disputes arise, detailing terms such as rent amount, lease duration, and any other specific clauses agreed upon by the landlord and tenant.

In many jurisdictions, including Hawaii, leases extending beyond one year cannot be enforced unless they are documented formally in writing. This is aligned with the Statute of Frauds, which stipulates that certain contracts, including those for the sale of land or leases longer than one year, must be in writing to be enforceable. It helps to prevent misunderstandings and reinforces the agreement's legitimacy, ensuring that both parties are held to their commitments.

The other choices either relate to misunderstandings about lease legality or notice requirements that are not specific to leases longer than one year. Therefore, having the lease documented in writing is essential for such agreements.