What term describes the legal relationship between a landlord and tenant?

The term that best describes the legal relationship between a landlord and tenant is privity of estate. This concept refers to the mutual relationship that exists between parties who hold an interest in the same property. In the context of a landlord and tenant, privity of estate arises when the landlord grants the tenant the right to possess the property, creating a legal obligation between the two parties regarding the use and enjoyment of that property. This relationship is specifically focused on the rights and responsibilities that come with the actual possession of the property.

In contrast, a contractual relationship generally refers to the broader legal obligations arising from their lease agreement, which encompasses terms and conditions of occupancy. Equal ownership pertains to situations where two or more parties hold the same rights to the property, which does not apply to the landlord-tenant scenario. Joint tenancy agreement involves co-ownership of property with equal rights among owners, which also is not applicable in the landlord-tenant relationship.