Some common synonyms of lease are charter, hire, let, and rent.
Leasing typically requires a larger upfront payment, including a security deposit and the first and last month's rent, while renting may have lower initial costs. It's important to note that leasing usually involves fixed monthly payments, while the monthly rent amount for a rental property may fluctuate over time.
If all details of a contract are the same, organizations record the same amount for lease expense under ASC 842 as they would for rent expense under ASC 840. Both rent expense and lease expense represent the periodic payment made for the use of the underlying asset.
In India, there are two different kinds of rent agreements, one of which is a lease with a minimum term of 12 months. Rent Control Laws established by the State Government regulate this. The other kind is a lease and license contract that lasts up to 11 months and is exempt from rent control laws.
While both lease and rental agreements involve a legal arrangement between a tenant and a rental property owner, the key differences lie in the term length and flexibility of the terms.
An example of a fixed lease term is leasing a building at $1,500/month for 24 months. An example of a periodic term is leasing a storage unit for $500 a month, with the option to continue for another month in perpetuity. The lease ends when either the landlord or tenant gives notice.