Millions of people occupy homes they do not own. A tenant is a person or entity that holds a right to use and occupy property under a lease or similar agreement in exchange for rent.

Tenants are entitled to possession for the lease term and to statutory protections such as habitability standards and limits on retaliatory eviction in many places. They must pay rent, avoid damage beyond normal wear, and comply with reasonable lease rules. Disputes over repairs, deposits, and termination are common.

Written leases clarify expectations, but oral tenancies also create legal rights in many systems. When conflicts escalate, housing courts apply landlord-tenant statutes with particular procedures. Understanding tenant rights and duties helps prevent avoidable litigation.

• Occupant of property under a rental agreement
• Holds possession rights for the lease term
• Protected by habitability and eviction procedures
• Obligated to pay rent and care for the premises