Common Lease Terms
Leases are legal documents that use complex language. The list below explains lease "legalese" in plain English.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Arrears | Overdue rent |
| Assign | Transfer the unexpired portion of the lease |
| Cause of Action | Specific situation that may become the basis for a lawsuit |
| Civil | A non-criminal legal matter. Housing disputes are often settled in civil court |
| Covenant | A promise |
| Default | To forfeit or lose by failing to perform a legal obligation or duty |
| Demised Premises | The place being rented |
| Destraint (preceded by distress) | The landlord takes your personal property to force you to pay or eventually sells it to get the money |
| Enjoyment | Possession or occupancy |
| Enure | To take effect |
| Eviction | Depriving a person of occupancy. Constructive eviction does not actually remove the tenant, but it makes it impossible for the tenant to remain because of conditions (i.e., serious deterioration) |
| Goods and Chattels | Personal property |
| Holdover | Retaining possession of rented real estate after the lease term expires or the landlord demands possession because of an alleged branch of the terms in the lease by the tenant |
| Indemnify and Hold Harmless | To free from any responsibility or liability |
| Inure | To take effect |
| Lease | A type of legal agreement establishing a landlord–tenant relationship |
| Lessee | The tenant |
| Lessor | The landlord |
| Liability | Responsibility, loss, a negative element |
| Notice to Vacate | Notification from the landlord to the tenant ordering the tenant of the property |
| Parties to a Lease | Those who agree to abide by the provisions of a lease; usually, you as the tenant, any house mates as co-tenants, and the landlord |
| Possession | Lawful occupation and use of land, subject to protection of "quiet enjoyment" |
| Sublet | Agreeing to permit someone else to use rented property for a period less than the lessee's term. The lessee will be paid by the sublettor. |
| Summary Proceeding | To recover possession; i.e., eviction |
| Term of Lease | The length of time that a lease shall be in effect |
| Thirty-Day Notice | On a month-to-month tenancy, this is the notice that either party must give the other to terminate the tenancy. The 30 days must include a full rental period. |
| Waiver | Relinquishment of a right; agreeing to give up something that you are entitled to |
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Location: Campus Center, 3rd Floor, Suite 3300
100 William T Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125
Phone: 617.287.6373
Email: offcampus@umb.edu
Location: Campus Center, 3rd Floor, Suite 3300
100 William T Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125
Phone: 617.287.6373
Email: offcampus@umb.edu