Renting facts for kids
Renting (also known as leasing) is when someone pays money to use something that belongs to someone else for a specific amount of time. It's like borrowing something, but you pay for the privilege! You can rent all sorts of things, from a car or a house to a video game or a party costume.
The official paper or agreement that explains all the rules and details of renting is called a lease. The person who owns the item and lets others rent it is called the lessor. The person who pays the money to use the item is called the lessee. If you rent a house, an apartment, or land, you are usually called a tenant. For example, a tenant farmer is someone who rents a farm from its owner to grow crops or raise animals.
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Why Do People Rent Things?
People rent for many reasons! Sometimes, they only need something for a short time. For example, you might rent a special outfit for a school play or a bouncy castle for a birthday party. It doesn't make sense to buy these things if you'll only use them once.
Renting can also be a good way to try something out before you decide to buy it. You might rent a musical instrument to see if you like playing it before your parents buy you one. Or, if you're moving to a new city, you might rent an apartment first to see if you like the neighborhood before buying a house.
Renting vs. Buying
When you rent, you don't have to worry about the big cost of buying something new. You also don't usually have to pay for big repairs or maintenance, because that's often the owner's job. However, when you rent, you don't own the item, so you can't change it or sell it.
What Kinds of Things Can You Rent?
You might be surprised by how many different things people rent!
- Homes and Buildings: Many people rent apartments, houses, or even offices. This is very common, especially for students or people who move often.
- Vehicles: You can rent cars for vacations, trucks for moving, or even bikes for a day of exploring.
- Tools and Equipment: If you need a special tool for a home project, like a powerful drill or a floor sander, you can rent it instead of buying it.
- Movies and Games: In the past, people often rented movies from video stores. Now, many people "rent" digital movies or games through streaming services for a limited time.
- Clothes and Costumes: For special events like proms, weddings, or Halloween, people often rent fancy dresses, tuxedos, or costumes.
- Party Supplies: Tables, chairs, tents, and even popcorn machines can be rented for parties and events.
The Renting Agreement (The Lease)
When you rent something important, like a house or a car, you'll sign a lease. This is a legal document that protects both the owner (lessor) and the renter (lessee).
The lease will usually include:
- How long you can use the item (for example, one year for an apartment, or three days for a car).
- How much money you need to pay and when (like rent every month).
- Rules about how you can use the item (for example, no smoking in a rented apartment, or how many miles you can drive a rented car).
- What happens if something goes wrong or if you don't follow the rules.
It's always important to read the lease carefully so you understand all the terms before you agree to rent something.
Images for kids
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Notice of renting availability at the Villa Freischütz in Meran in 1911.
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See also
In Spanish: Contrato de arrendamiento para niños
