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tenant

TEN-uhnt /ˈtɛnənt/

nounB1IELTSTOEFL

legalpracticalcommercial

A person who occupies land or property rented from a landlord.

Carries legal rights and responsibilities defined by local housing laws, distinguishing them from a mere guest or lodger.

The story behind the word. Derived from the Old French 'tenant', which is the present participle of 'tenir' (to hold), from the Latin 'tenere'. In feudal times, a tenant was literally someone who 'held' land granted by a lord in exchange for loyalty or labor.

Word relationships

renter: 'Renter' is more informal and conversational; 'tenant' is the preferred term in legal contracts and formal housing discussions.
lessee: 'Lessee' is a strictly legal term used in contracts, whereas 'tenant' is used in both legal and everyday contexts.

landlord: The owner of the property who rents it out.
owner: The person who holds the legal title to the property.

Commonly confused with

tenet: A 'tenet' is a principle or belief (e.g., a tenet of philosophy), whereas a 'tenant' is a person who rents property.

Word family

tenancy (noun): The possession or occupancy of land or property by a tenant.

Collocations

prospective tenant
tenant rights
sitting tenant
tenant agreement

Example sentences

"The landlord is legally required to give the tenant twenty-four hours' notice before entering." Legal dispute
"As a tenant, you have the right to a safe and habitable living environment." Real estate news

Memory hook

A tenant lives in a 'tent' on rented land. They 'hold' the space. Tenant: The one who holds the lease.

When not to use

Do not use for someone staying in a hotel (they are a 'guest') or someone staying for free (they are an 'occupant' or 'guest').

Fun facts

In English common law, there is a concept called 'tenant at sufferance,' which refers to a tenant who remains in possession of a property after their lease has expired without the landlord's explicit consent.