What is the difference between a lease and a license?

A lease and a license both involve the use of land, but they are two separate legal agreements. A lease is a contract between a landlord and tenant that grants the tenant exclusive possession of the property for a predetermined period of time in exchange for rent payments. Under a lease, the tenant has a legal right to possess the property, as well as certain duties to protect and maintain the property to the satisfaction of the landlord. On the other hand, a license is a permission given by a landowner to another person to use the land for a specific purpose, without giving up exclusive possession. A license does not create a legal interest in the land, and it is not as binding as a lease. Licenses can include permission by a landlord to allow a third party to use the property for activities such as hunting, fishing, or taking pictures. In contrast to the tenant of a lease, a licensee has no legal right to maintain exclusive control of the property and may be revoked or canceled by the landowner at any time. In Virginia, each agreement is considered separately, and the terms and conditions of the agreement must be clear and unambiguous so that the parties know their rights and responsibilities. It is important to ensure that the parties understand which agreement they are entering into and the expectations of each side.

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