Home and furniture / B1

TEN-uh-nt/ˈtenənt/

A tenant rents a home: a private tenant; tenant’s rights; a sitting tenant. Landlord is the owner; a lodger often rents a room in the owner’s house. Tenancy is the agreement (an assured shorthold tenancy in England). Do not mix tenant with lieutenant (army rank) — they only look a little similar. UK problems: deposits, notice periods, damp.

Meaning

A person who pays rent to live in a house or flat.

Examples

• “Tenants must give notice before they leave the flat.”
• “Tenants should photograph the flat on moving-in day.”
• “The charity advises tenants who are behind with the rent.”

Good to know

private tenant; tenancy agreement. Owner: landlord. Room in owner’s home: lodger. Not lieutenant. Photos + inventory protect both sides.

Near in meaning

renter

Topics

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