Who is required to sign a written lease agreement?

In a leasing context, the requirement for a written lease agreement typically stems from the fact that a lease is a legal contract between the landlord and the tenant. Washington State law generally mandates that a lease is enforceable in writing if it lasts longer than one year.

The correct answer focuses specifically on the landlord's requirement. In Washington, the landlord must sign the lease to provide official consent to the terms outlined. This signature serves as an acknowledgment of the landlord's obligations and rights under the lease, ensuring that there is a legally binding agreement in place. Without the landlord's signature, the lease may not be enforceable, even if the tenant signs it.

Although tenants can sign a lease independently, the landlord's signature is crucial for establishing the binding nature of the agreement. Furthermore, while verbal agreements can be valid in certain circumstances, having a written document is always recommended to prevent misunderstandings and provide clear legal recourse, especially when disputes arise.