In a lease agreement, who is referred to as the lessee?

In a lease agreement, the lessee is defined as the tenant. This is the individual or entity that has the right to occupy and use the property for a specified period under the conditions outlined in the lease. The lessee pays rent to the lessor, who is typically the property owner or landlord, in exchange for the right to use the property.

Understanding this terminology is essential in real estate as it clarifies the roles and responsibilities of the parties involved in leasing. The lessee enjoys certain rights, such as the right to live in or use the property as specified in the agreement, while also having obligations, like paying rent and maintaining the property. This distinction is fundamental in identifying the legal relationship between landlords and tenants, which governs many aspects of property management and tenant rights in California and beyond.