Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a rental agreement?

A rental agreement is a legal document that establishes the relationship between a landlord and a tenant, outlining their rights and responsibilities. The correct choice indicates that one of the characteristics of a rental agreement is that it is not always required to be in writing.

While a written rental agreement provides clear terms and can prevent misunderstandings, many rental agreements can be verbal or oral. This is particularly common in short-term arrangements or less formal rental situations. The law often allows for oral agreements, although they may be more difficult to enforce compared to written ones.

In contrast, the other characteristics listed are fundamental to the nature of rental agreements: they clearly set terms for the tenancy, detailing aspects like rent, duration, and use of the property, as well as defining the responsibilities and obligations of both parties, such as maintenance, repairs, and payment schedules. Understanding that a rental agreement can exist in oral form is crucial, as it highlights the flexibility in how these agreements can be established, which is why this characteristic stands out as the exception among the options provided.