What is a "leasehold estate"?

A leasehold estate refers to an interest in real property that allows a tenant to use and occupy the property for a specific duration as outlined in a lease agreement. This concept is foundational in real estate because it establishes the rights and responsibilities of both the lessor (landlord) and the lessee (tenant). The definitive characteristic of a leasehold estate is that it does not convey ownership of the property to the tenant; instead, it grants the tenant a temporary right to possess and use the property based on the terms of the lease.

The specific term of the lease distinguishes leasehold estates, as they typically have a clearly defined beginning and end date. Once the term expires, the tenant must vacate the property unless the lease is renewed or extended. Understanding this concept is fundamental for anyone involved in real estate transactions, as it affects how property rights are structured and enforced.

In contrast, the other options describe different aspects of real estate that do not accurately capture the nature of a leasehold estate. For instance, an ownership interest in real property for an indefinite period refers to freehold estates rather than leasehold. Joint ownership refers to scenarios involving multiple parties owning a property together, which is not indicative of a leasehold arrangement. Lastly, a short-term