Does a contract have to be in writing?

 

3. Does a contract have to be in writing?

In general, no, though there are some specific kinds of contract (such as most property leases) that must be in writing. For example, when a customer buys something in a shop there is a contract, even though, often, nothing is written.

However, without a written contract, it can be difficult to prove what has been agreed - or even that a contract exists at all.