What establishes the tenant's right to occupy a property in a leasehold estate?

In a leasehold estate, the tenant's right to occupy the property is primarily established through a written agreement and the payment of rent. This written lease serves as a legal document outlining the terms and conditions under which the tenant can use the property, including the duration of the lease, the amount of rent to be paid, and any responsibilities or rights of both parties involved.

A written agreement provides clarity and defensive legal protection to both landlords and tenants, ensuring that all terms are documented and enforceable. The payment of rent further solidifies the tenant's rights since it indicates their compliance with the lease terms. In many jurisdictions, if a tenant pays rent and is abiding by their responsibilities as outlined in the lease, they have the legal right to occupy the premises for the duration specified.

Verbal agreements, while sometimes enforceable, can lead to misunderstandings and disputes due to their lack of formal documentation. The purchase of the property would provide ownership rights rather than leasehold rights, thus not applicable to the relationship between a tenant and landlord. A temporary lease may grant occupancy rights but generally, a lease is considered more stable and enforceable when it is set forth in a formal written document.