Rent facts for kids

Rent is a word that can mean a few different things, but they all usually involve using something that belongs to someone else for a period of time.

Sometimes, rent means paying money to use something that isn't yours. This could be a house, an apartment, a car, or even a movie. When you rent something, you get to use it, but you don't own it. You pay the owner for the right to use their property. This payment is called the rent.

Rent can also be the name of a very famous Broadway musical and a movie based on that musical.

What Does Renting Mean?

When people talk about renting, they often mean a deal where one person (the tenant) pays another person (the landlord or owner) to use their property. This property could be:

• A place to live, like an apartment or a house.
• A vehicle, like a car or a bicycle.
• Equipment, like tools for a project.
• Even things like movies or video games for a short time.

The tenant pays the rent, usually every month, to the landlord. In return, the tenant gets to live in or use the property. This agreement usually lasts for a set amount of time, like a year, and is written down in a contract called a lease.

Why Do People Rent Things?

People choose to rent for many reasons:

• Flexibility: Renting a home can be good if you're not sure how long you'll stay in one place. It's often easier to move out of a rented place than to sell a house you own.
• Cost: Buying a house or a car can be very expensive. Renting often requires less money upfront.
• Maintenance: When you rent a home, the landlord is usually responsible for big repairs, like fixing a leaky roof or a broken furnace. This can save the renter money and stress.
• Trying new things: You might rent a special camera for a school project or a party tent for an event. This lets you use something expensive without having to buy it.

The Rent Musical and Movie

Rent is also the name of a very popular American musical. It tells the story of a group of young artists and musicians living in New York City in the 1990s. The musical explores their struggles with friendship, love, and making a living.

When Did Rent Become Famous?

The musical Rent first opened on Broadway in 1996. It became a huge success and won many awards, including the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Its songs and story touched many people, and it ran for many years.

Is There a Rent Movie?

Yes, a movie based on the musical Rent was released in 2005. Many of the original actors from the Broadway show also starred in the movie. It helped bring the story of Rent to an even wider audience.