Who is referred to as a landlord in legal terms?

In legal terminology, a landlord specifically refers to the owner of real property, particularly tenements that have been leased or rented out to tenants for a specified term of years. This definition emphasizes the relationship between the landlord and the tenant, where the landlord retains ownership of the property while granting occupancy rights to the tenant under the terms of a lease agreement.

This role encompasses responsibilities such as maintaining the property, ensuring it meets health and safety standards, and adhering to the terms of the lease. Therefore, understanding the term "landlord" as the property owner captures the essential legal framework surrounding leasing and rental agreements. Other roles related to property management, like a property manager or management company, do not constitute ownership and thus do not fit the definition of a landlord.