What legal framework governs jurisdictions that have not adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act?

The legal framework that governs jurisdictions that have not adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is rooted in common law. Common law consists of laws developed by judges through decisions in individual cases, establishing precedents that can be followed in future cases. In the absence of specific statutory regulations like the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, the rules applicable to landlord and tenant relationships are often derived from these established common law principles.

These principles cover various aspects of landlord-tenant interactions, such as the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants, lease agreements, and remedies available in case of disputes. Common law fills the gaps where no statutory laws exist and is essential for determining legal outcomes based on historical judicial rulings.

In contrast, statutory law refers to laws that are enacted by legislative bodies. Case law is derived from the outcomes of specific judicial decisions and often depends heavily on precedents set under common law. Equity law deals more with cases where traditional legal remedies are insufficient, seeking fair outcomes rather than strict application of the law. Therefore, when no statutory framework is in place, common law continues to provide the necessary legal guidance.