A landlord is a person who owns property (like a house, apartment, or building) and rents it to other people to live in or use. The people who pay to live there are called tenants. Every month, tenants pay the landlord rent, which is the fee for using the property.

Being a landlord involves collecting rent and maintaining the property. Landlords must fix broken appliances, handle repairs, and make sure the building is safe and livable. When a tenant's water heater breaks or the roof starts leaking, the landlord is responsible for getting it fixed. Good landlords respond quickly to problems and treat their tenants fairly.

The relationship works both ways: landlords provide housing, and tenants pay rent and take care of the property. A lease is the written agreement that spells out the rules, like how much rent is, when it's due, and how long the tenant can stay.

Today's landlords might own a single spare house or manage hundreds of apartments in a large building. Either way, they're providing an essential service: giving people a place to call home.