Final answer:
A lease signed by a 17-year-old is generally considered voidable, as minors typically do not have the legal capacity to enter into contracts, but there may be exceptions for necessities like housing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legal status of a lease signed by a 17-year-old can be complex because, in many jurisdictions, individuals under the age of 18 are considered minors and may not have the capacity to enter into legally binding contracts on their own. Sometimes, contracts entered into by minors are considered voidable. This means the minor has the option to either affirm the contract upon reaching the age of majority or disaffirm it, which could release them from contractual obligations. However, some necessities, like housing, can represent exceptions where courts might enforce contracts entered into by minors as valid and binding. A lease agreement would typically contain termination clauses, such as the one provided, which could further complicate the situation if the minor or the landlord seeks to terminate the lease. Landlords may be wary of leasing to minors due to this potential legal ambiguity.