Cal. Civ. Code § 250.202
Leases for More Than Three Years
Operative Text
Real property, including any personal property thereon, may be leased for a term of more than three years by a landlord to a tenant or by their respective agents lawfully authorized in writing. Any such lease must be in writing and signed by the parties making or creating the same, otherwise it shall have the force and effect of a lease at will only and shall not be given any greater force or effect either in law or equity, notwithstanding any consideration therefor, unless the tenancy has continued for more than one year and the landlord and tenant have recognized its rightful existence by claiming and admitting liability for the rent, in which case the tenancy shall become one from year to year.
Under 68 P.S. § 250.202, any lease of real property (including personal property on it) for a term exceeding three years must be in writing and signed by both parties, or by their duly authorized written agents. A lease that fails to meet these requirements carries only the legal weight of a tenancy at will — meaning either party could end it with relatively little notice — rather than the full protections of a long-term lease. There is one exception: if the tenancy has actually continued for more than one year and both landlord and tenant have acknowledged it by paying and accepting rent, the arrangement is treated as a year-to-year tenancy instead.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under 68 P.S. § 250.202 generally ensure that any rental agreement intended to run longer than three years is documented in a written lease signed by all parties — or by agents who hold written authorization to act on their behalf. Without that written, signed instrument, the arrangement is treated as a tenancy at will regardless of any verbal promises or consideration exchanged, which significantly limits the enforceability of long-term lease terms. Compliant operators also maintain records of written agent authorizations so that lease execution by a property manager or representative is clearly documented.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 68 P.S. § 250.202, tenants entering into a rental arrangement meant to last more than three years have a right to a written lease signed by both parties; without it, the agreement generally has no greater legal standing than a tenancy at will. If a landlord attempts to enforce long-term lease obligations — such as extended rent commitments or penalties — based on an oral or unsigned agreement, a tenant may be able to raise the statute's writing requirement as a defense in a legal proceeding. Tenants who are uncertain about the status of their lease or their rights under this provision may find it helpful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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