How does a tenant differ from a licensee?

The distinction between a tenant and a licensee is essential in property management. A tenant has a legal right to occupy and use the premises based on a lease agreement. This lease creates a binding contract that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant, granting the tenant exclusive possession of the property during the lease term.

In contrast, a licensee is someone who has been granted permission to be on the property, but without the formal rights associated with a lease. A license is typically much less comprehensive than a lease, offering permission to use the property for a specific purpose without conferring any legal rights to occupy it. This means that while a tenant can establish residency and has protections under landlord-tenant laws, a licensee can often be asked to leave the property more easily, as their presence does not establish the same degree of legal occupancy.

Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective property management, as it influences aspects such as eviction processes, tenant rights, and overall property use.