tenancy

[ ten-uhn-see ]

noun

, plural ten·an·cies.

1. a holding, as of lands, by any kind of title; occupancy of land, a house, or the like, under a lease or on payment of rent; tenure.
2. the period of a tenant's occupancy.
3. occupancy or enjoyment of a position, post, situation, etc.:

   her tenancy as professor of history at the state university.

4. Archaic. a piece of land held by a tenant; holding.

tenancy

/ ˈtɛnənsɪ /

noun

1. the temporary possession or holding by a tenant of lands or property owned by another
2. the period of holding or occupying such property
3. the period of holding office, a position, etc
4. property held or occupied by a tenant

Word History and Origins

Origin of tenancy¹

First recorded in 1570–80; ten(ant) + -ancy; compare Medieval Latin tenantia, variant of tenentia

Example Sentences

“My policy will ensure that a tenant has the ability to maintain tenancy, keep paying rent, and stay in their apartments.”

From Los Angeles Times

The motion approved by the City Council asks for new rules that would let tenants keep paying rent and maintain their tenancy while remodels take place.

From Los Angeles Times

Living on a state pension and disability benefits, and faced with rising London rents, she found herself unable to find another private tenancy.

From BBC

When asked if she could move in with her daughter and grandson, she said it was not an option as it would break her daughter's tenancy agreement at her council home and lead to them all being evicted.

From BBC

"We don't have a farm base at all. We don't even have a farm business tenancy anywhere," she said.

From BBC