Landlord Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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landlord

[หˆlรฆndหŒlษ”หrd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

real estate

A landlord is a person who owns property and rents it out to tenants.

Synonyms

landholder, lessor, owner.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
landlord

Use when referring to someone who owns property and rents it out, often in residential scenarios. This term is commonly associated with apartment buildings and rental homes.

  • The landlord called to check if everything was alright in the apartment.
  • If you have any issues with the heating, contact your landlord.
owner

Use when indicating someone who possesses property, whether land, a house, or any other type of asset. This term is general and fits many situations, both formal and informal.

  • She is the proud owner of a picturesque cottage in the countryside.
  • The dog ran out as soon as its owner opened the door.
landholder

Use when referring to someone who posses land, often from a legal or official perspective. It can be used in both residential and agricultural contexts.

  • As a landholder, he has certain responsibilities regarding land maintenance.
  • The ancient records listed the names of the landholders in the village.
lessor

Use in formal legal contexts to indicate the party granting a lease. This term is appropriate in contractual agreements and official documentation.

  • The lessor agrees to maintain the premises in a habitable condition.
  • The agreement was signed by both the lessor and the lessee.

Examples of usage

  • The landlord fixed the leaky faucet in the apartment.
  • The landlord raised the rent for the tenants this year.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

In legal terms, a landlord is the owner of a property that is rented or leased to another individual or business.

Synonyms

lessor, property owner, proprietor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
landlord

Commonly used in everyday situations to refer to someone who owns a property and rents it out to tenants. Suitable for casual conversations as well as formal communications like lease agreements.

  • I need to talk to my landlord about the leaky faucet.
  • The landlord sent someone over to fix the heater.

Examples of usage

  • The landlord is responsible for maintaining the property according to the lease agreement.
  • The landlord can evict tenants for non-payment of rent.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • During the feudal system, landlords held significant power over land and its occupants, often dictating terms of tenancy.
  • In the 19th century, urbanization led to many landlords owning multiple properties as people moved to cities for jobs.
  • The concept of rental agreements formalized in the Victorian era improved tenant rights and established rules for landlords.

Cultural Representation

  • Landlords often appear in literature and film as either benevolent caretakers or ruthless figures, reflecting societal views on property ownership.
  • In Shakespeare's time, many plays featured landlords, spotlighting social issues of the era, such as class struggles and tenant rights.
  • The TV series 'Friends' featured their landlord, who often impacted the characters' living situations and financial concerns.

Legal Aspects

  • Landlords have legal responsibilities to provide safe and habitable living conditions according to local laws.
  • Eviction processes are governed by specific landlord-tenant laws, which vary significantly by state and country.
  • Many jurisdictions protect tenant rights, requiring landlords to follow legal procedures for rent increases and evictions.

Economic Impact

  • The rental market plays a crucial role in the economy, with landlords influencing housing availability and affordability.
  • Landlords contribute to local economies through property taxes, maintaining buildings, and upgrading facilities.
  • Rental income can be a significant source of revenue, making property management an attractive investment opportunity.

Origin of 'landlord'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'landlord' comes from Middle English, combining 'land' (referring to property) and 'lord' (meaning a master or ruler).
  • In medieval times, 'landlords' were typically nobles who managed large estates and had tenants for farming.
  • The male form 'landlord' has a female counterpart, 'landlady', signifying a woman who owns rental properties.

The term 'landlord' dates back to the Middle Ages when land ownership and tenancy were common practices. In feudal societies, landlords were typically wealthy landowners who leased out land to peasants in exchange for rent or services. Over time, the concept of landlordship evolved to include not only landowners but also owners of residential and commercial properties. Today, the role of a landlord is regulated by laws and contracts that define the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.


See also: inland, land, landfill, landform, landholder, landing, landline, landlocked, landmark, landmarks, landmass, Landowner, landowners, landscape, landscaper, landscaping, upland.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,383 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.