What does leased mean?
Leased means rented for a fixed period, whether referring to land, buildings, offices, equipment, or other property. As the past tense and past participle of the verb lease, it can describe either the act of taking property for rent or the act of renting it out to another person. The term is also used attributively to identify property held under a lease, as in “leased premises” or “leased office space.” Leasing is especially common for commercial property, vehicles, and equipment, where possession and ownership may belong to different parties. In everyday use, leased often suggests a formal rental arrangement for a defined term, although the legal details—such as the length of the tenancy, permitted uses, maintenance obligations, and renewal options—depend on the agreement. The word is standard in both British and American English.
To take or grant the temporary use and possession of property, land, equipment, or services in return for payment.
"The company leased its former warehouse to another business."
The past tense and past participle have the same form, leased.
Held or occupied under a lease.
"The tenant improved the leased premises at her own expense."
This use is typically attributive, as in “leased property” or “leased equipment.”
Leased property remains in the tenant's possession, but the landlord retains legal ownership.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leased come from?
The word belongs to the English legal vocabulary surrounding leases and tenancies. Related legal terms include lessee, the person who holds property under a lease, and lessor, the person who grants that lease. The English verb ultimately comes through Anglo-Norman French from a word meaning “to leave” or “to hand over,” reflecting the transfer of temporary possession rather than ownership.
Related word forms
How leased is actually used
The form is used in British and American English. As an adjective, it normally occurs attributively, as in “leased premises,” and describes property that is occupied or used under a lease.
Easily confused with leased
To lease something is to rent it for a period, whereas to release something is to allow it to leave, become available, or be made known.