{"id":369228,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:19","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/landlord-tenant-dictionary.html"},"modified":"2026-09-03T10:52:00","modified_gmt":"2026-09-03T15:52:00","slug":"landlord-tenant-dictionary","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/landlord-tenant-law\/landlord-tenant-dictionary.html","title":{"rendered":"Glossary of Rental Lease Terminology"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Glossary of Rental Lease Terminology<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Katrina Wilson, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Rental lease agreements often contain confusing legal terms and phrases. Understanding these terms and their definitions helps tenants know exactly what they’re signing in a lease agreement. Clear definitions help you recognize what you\u2019re responsible for, what your landlord must handle, and when a clause might be unreasonable or negotiable.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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The landlord-tenant relationship is a legal relationship created with a lease agreement. This written agreement outlines each party’s responsibilities and obligations during the rental period.<\/p>\n

For example, the tenant pays rent to the landlord on a specific schedule, such as a month-to-month tenancy<\/a>. The tenant pays a month’s rent each month in exchange for the right to use and enjoy the rental property.<\/p>\n

The written agreement is a legal document and should identify the following:<\/p>\n