Final answer:
In Texas, a lease of a year or more must be in writing and signed by both parties to be enforceable due to the Statute of Frauds. Essential terms must be clearly included in the written lease, including the lease duration, rent amount, and leased premises identification.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a lease of a year or more to be enforceable in a court of law in Texas, the lease agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties due to the Statute of Frauds. It is not enough for the lease terms to just be stated verbally for leases exceeding one year.
According to the Texas Property Code, certain essential terms such as the duration of the lease, the amount of rent, and the identification of the leased premises must be clearly articulated in the written lease agreement. If it's not written, it generally cannot be enforced in a Texas court. For instance, the TERMINATION clause in a lease should provide instructions on how a party can terminate the lease, such as requiring a written notice to the other party 30 days before the intended termination date. Additionally, any conditions that must be met for termination, including the need for "just cause," should be explicitly outlined in the agreement.