Is a landlord required to provide a copy of the lease to the tenant?

A lease agreement is a contract between the landlord and the tenant. The lease sets forth the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. The lease allows the tenant to occupy and use the property for a specific period of time.  In return, the tenant generally pays a specified rent. The lease may set forth other duties and responsibilities of the landlord and tenant. Once the parties sign the lease, both are bound by its terms. In many states, the landlord is required to provide a signed copy of the lease to the tenant.  Since this law depends on the state you reside in, please check your state's landlord and tenant laws. Moving forward, please consult a Real Estate attorney to determine the proper course of action.