Contract Glossary
Statute of Frauds
Definition
A legal doctrine requiring certain types of contracts to be in writing and signed by the party to be bound in order to be enforceable. Oral agreements for these categories are generally unenforceable, even if both parties agree the deal was made. The statute doesn't require a formal contract, a signed letter, email, or even a napkin can satisfy the writing requirement, but something must be in writing.
In Practice
You verbally agree to lease office space for 18 months at $3,000/month. Six months in, the landlord tries to raise the rent to $4,000. You protest that you had a deal. Under the statute of frauds, your verbal agreement for an 18-month lease is unenforceable because leases longer than one year must be in writing. The landlord can raise the rent, and you have no legal recourse because the agreement wasn't documented. A simple signed email confirming the terms would have been enough to make the deal enforceable.
Common in these contract types
Related contract clauses
Frequently asked questions
Create a contract with proper statute of frauds clauses
Generate a professional contract in minutes with all the essential clauses -- no legal expertise needed.
Create your contractThis content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.