Lessee

To define lessee in one line: it is the person who leases the property. In an apartment community, that is your resident. The word shows up in lease documents, court filings and legal notices, while on site people say resident or tenant.

A lessee has rights and duties under the lease: pay rent, follow the rules, keep the unit in good condition and give proper notice before leaving. In return, they get the right to live there and to the protections that state and federal law give tenants. When several people sign the same lease, each is a lessee, and the lease often makes them jointly responsible for the rent.

Example: a lease reads, 'Lessor agrees to lease the premises to Lessee for a term of twelve months.' The lessee is whoever is named and signs below that line.

The common mistake is confusing lessee with lessor. A quick way to remember: the lessee leases, and the lessor lets. Another one is treating an occupant who is not on the lease as a lessee, which they are not. If someone lives in the unit long term, add them to the lease.