rented

Rented is the past tense and past participle of the verb to rent. It describes goods or property that are in use under a rental agreement, where the owner allows someone else to use them in exchange for payment, while ownership remains with the owner. The term is commonly applied to housing, vehicles, equipment, and other goods.

A rented item or property is not owned by the user; the user gains temporary rights under defined terms and may be responsible for certain costs or maintenance. Rental arrangements are typically documented in a contract, which helps clarify expectations for both parties.

Key elements of a rental agreement include duration (fixed-term or periodic), payment amount and schedule, security deposits, maintenance responsibilities, insurance requirements, and any restrictions on use or subletting. At the end of the agreement, the item is usually returned in agreed condition, subject to wear and tear, and any damages or unpaid charges may be deducted from a deposit or pursued through the contract or law.

Rented can function as an adjective (the rented apartment) or as a noun in phrases like rental agreement, rental property, or rental car. The terms rental and lease are related and often used interchangeably, though usage can vary by jurisdiction, with some places distinguishing between shorter-term rentals and longer-term leases.

In broader terms, the rented sector affects housing markets, asset utilization, and consumer budgeting. Legal frameworks and contracts govern the rights and obligations of both owners and users to ensure fair use, remedies for breaches, and a clear path to termination or renewal.