Casa Academy

Reviewed by Casa Academy and updated July 29, 2026 using the current DBPR checklist and Pearson VUE scheduling guidance.

Lessor vs Lessee

The lessor is the landlord or owner who grants possession and use of real property under a lease; the lessee is the tenant who receives those possessory rights and owes rent and compliance with lease covenants.

Exam context

Always map lessor = landlord, lessee = tenant. Grantor/grantee appear in deeds. Mortgagor borrows; mortgagee lends. Sublessor is original tenant in a sublease.

Rights and duties

Lessors deliver habitable premises and respect quiet enjoyment. Lessees pay rent, use the property per lease, and surrender at term end. Ownership may stay with the lessor while the lessee holds only a leasehold estate. In a sublease, the original lessee becomes sublessor to a sublessee while remaining liable to the primary lessor unless released.

Agency context

Property managers act as agent of the lessor when negotiating leases. Leasing agents represent the owner-lessor unless dual representation is disclosed. Exams test vocabulary more than lease drafting: match lessor to landlord and lessee to tenant on every question stem.

Examples

  • Apartment lease parties

    ABC Apartments LLC is lessor; the resident signing the lease is lessee. Rent flows from lessee to lessor through the management company as agent.

  • Sublease chain

    Original lessee travels abroad and subleases to a friend. Original lessee is sublessor; friend is sublessee; building owner remains the lessor on the master lease.

Keep studying

Practice lessor vs lessee questionsEnroll in pre-licensing

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