Tentant

Tentant is not a widely used term in modern English and is typically spelled tenant. When encountered, tentant most often refers to the same concept as tenant or appears as a surname; in most contexts it is considered a misspelling or an archaic/variant form rather than a separate legal category.

In everyday and legal usage, a tenant is a person who occupies land or property owned by another under a rental agreement, lease, or tenancy. The standard spelling is tenant, derived from historical forms in which the holder of property was described as one who holds it. The form tentant may appear in older documents or transcription errors.

Tenancy encompasses several possible arrangements. A tenancy for years has a definite, fixed term. A periodic tenancy continues for successive periods (such as month-to-month). A tenancy at will exists without a fixed term, and tenancy at sufferance occurs when a tenant remains after the lease ends without permission. Terms and definitions can vary by jurisdiction and by the specifics of the agreement.

Tenants typically have rights and duties that are set out in statutes and in the lease or rental agreement. Common duties include paying rent on time, maintaining the property in a reasonable condition, and abiding by use restrictions. Tenants generally have the right to quiet enjoyment, privacy, and a habitable living environment. Landlords have corresponding obligations, such as making necessary repairs and ensuring habitability, while deposits may be collected and later returned subject to terms.

Termination and eviction procedures depend on local law and the terms of the lease. Notices, grounds for termination, and due process requirements vary by jurisdiction. See related topics such as landlord-tenant law, lease agreements, and security deposits for further information.