What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
rent
Example
I pay $1000 in rent every month for my apartment. [rent: noun]
Example
She decided to rent a car for her trip to the countryside. [rent: verb]
lease
Example
We signed a lease for our new apartment that lasts for one year. [lease: noun]
Example
He decided to lease his car to his friend for a few months. [lease: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Rent is more commonly used than lease in everyday language, especially when referring to residential properties. Lease is more commonly used in commercial settings or for longer-term rental agreements.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between rent and lease?
Lease is generally considered more formal than rent, as it involves a legal agreement with specific terms and conditions. Rent can be used in both formal and informal contexts.