What is a Tenant?

A Tenant is an individual or group who rents or leases a space, property, or land from another party, referred to as a lessor or landlord. In other words, the tenant pays while the landlord receives the rent money. In accordance with the conditions of a rental or lease agreement, the tenant is granted the right to occupy and use the property.

Key aspects of tenancy

There are several key aspects to tenancy, such as:

  • Rental agreement or lease

A legal contract where the terms and conditions of the rental are outlined, including the duration, rent, what is or isn’t included (furniture, utilities), and responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord.

  • Rent

The tenant’s payment to the landlord for the use of the property.

An image explaining the meanings of tenant and landlord
Image created by Market Business News.

Rights and responsibilities

Tenants have certain rights, such as the right to a habitable living environment, and certain responsibilities, like paying the rent on time and maintaining the property.

  • Types of tenancies

There are several types of tenancies, including:

  • Fixed-term tenancy

This type has a set duration that is typically outlined in a lease agreement.

  • Month-to-month tenancy

A month-to-month agreement gives the tenant more flexibility. Either party – the tenant or landlord – can decide to terminate the tenancy at the end of the month.

  • Subleasing

Subleasing, also known as subletting, occurs when a tenant rents out the property to another person. Subleasing is more common in the US while subletting is more widely used in the UK. However, both terms are acceptable and understood in either type of English.

Tenant’s rights

A tenant has several rights when they are renting a piece of land or a house, such as:

  • Right to privacy

Landlords must respect the tenant’s privacy and cannot enter the property without prior notice or a valid reason.

  • Safe and habitable housing

Tenants have a right to live in a secure and well-maintained home.

  • Protection from discrimination

Renters receive protection from discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, and other legally protected characteristics.

Responsibilities of a tenant

There are several responsibilities for a tenant, including:

  • Paying rent

Paying rent on time as agreed in the lease.

  • Property maintenance

Keeping the property clean and undamaged, as well as reporting any issues that may require attention or fixing.

  • Respecting Lease Terms

Following the guidelines outlined in the rental agreement.

Challenges faced by tenants

  • Rental increase

Managing rent increases, particularly in areas with high demand.

  • Security Deposits

Handling concerns about the reimbursement of security deposits.

  • Eviction

Navigating the personal and legal hurdles associated with eviction.

2 Videos – Tenants and Landlords

These two educational videos, from our sister channel on YouTube – Marketing Business Network, explain what the terms ‘Tenant’ and ‘Landlord’ means using simple and easy-to-understand language and examples.

  • What is a Tenant?

  • What is a Landlord?

Written by Nicolas Perez Diaz