Lessee

/lɛˈsi/ noun

Definition

The person who receives the right to use property under a lease agreement; the tenant. The lessee pays rent to the lessor (landlord) in exchange for temporary possession and use of the property.

Etymology

From Old French 'lesser' meaning 'to let' or 'to lease,' with the suffix '-ee' indicating the recipient of an action. The term developed alongside the feudal system where land tenure was central to legal relationships.

Kelly Says

Remember lessee vs. lessor by thinking 'lessee = less money' - they're the one paying rent and have less ownership! The legal system loves these mirror terms that sound almost identical but mean opposite things.

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