What is defined as a "breach of contract" in leasing?

A "breach of contract" in leasing occurs when one party fails to fulfill the terms outlined in the lease agreement. This failure can involve not paying rent on time, not adhering to property maintenance obligations, or violations of any specific terms that were agreed upon. Such breaches often lead to legal consequences, including the possibility of eviction for the tenant or claims for damages by the landlord. Understanding this definition is crucial for both landlords and tenants as it establishes the legal framework within which lease agreements operate and illustrates the importance of adhering to terms to avoid escalation into disputes or legal actions.

The other choices do not capture this concept accurately: altering lease terms through mutual agreement relates to negotiation rather than breach, optional clauses pertain to flexibility within the lease rather than non-compliance, and the process of vacating the property does not specifically define breach but may be a consequence of it.