leasing
lessee
The tenant under a lease, the person who receives the right to possess and use the property in exchange for paying rent. The lessee holds a leasehold estate, which is generally treated as personal property. The lessee's obligations typically include paying rent, using the property as permitted, and returning it in good condition except for normal wear and tear.
- Exam tip
- Lessee is the tenant; lessor is the landlord. The suffix -ee usually marks the receiving party (grantee, mortgagee, optionee).
- Example
- A college student signs a one-year apartment lease; she is the lessee and the building owner is the lessor.
Related terms & state variants
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Last verified: 2026-10-23