FACTS: A landlord (owner) will be leaving the country and will be difficult to reach.  He would like his father-in-law to sign the lease on his behalf while he is away.

ISSUE: Can the landlord’s father-in-law sign a lease on his behalf?

ANSWER: See discussion.

DISCUSSION:         

A power of attorney is a written document granting one individual authority to act for another person.  Therefore, the landlord should execute and have notarized a Specific/Durable power of attorney granting his father-in-law authority to sign a lease on his behalf.