What is a potential consequence of failing to follow the statute of frauds regarding lease agreements?

Failing to follow the statute of frauds regarding lease agreements means that certain leases, particularly those that extend beyond a year, must be in writing to be enforceable in a court of law. If the lease is not documented as required, it may become unenforceable, leaving neither party—landlord or tenant—able to compel the other to uphold the terms they believed they had agreed upon. This highlights the importance of formalizing lease agreements to protect the rights and expectations of both parties involved.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the primary legal consequence of not adhering to the statute of frauds. For example, forfeiture of a security deposit is typically determined by the terms of the lease or local laws, and not directly linked to whether the lease is documented properly. Additionally, changes in rent or eviction procedures are governed by lease terms and local legal standards, not necessarily impacted by the writing requirement under the statute of frauds. Thus, the consequence of unenforceability stands out as the most significant legal implication when lease agreements do not comply with the statute of frauds.