The gender opposite of 'landlord' is landlady.
Understanding the Term 'Landlady'
A landlady is the feminine form of 'landlord', referring to a woman who owns a property—be it a piece of land, a building, a flat, or any equivalent—and is entitled to receive rent for her possession. This term distinctly identifies the property owner as female, paralleling the male role of a landlord. For a broader understanding of this term, you can refer to definitions available on reputable dictionary sites like Merriam-Webster.
Historically, many professions and roles had distinct masculine and feminine forms in the English language. While modern usage often leans towards gender-neutral terms for inclusivity, 'landlady' remains a commonly accepted and understood term to specify a female property owner who leases her property.
Key Characteristics of Landlord vs. Landlady
Both terms describe individuals who own and rent out property. The primary distinction lies solely in the gender of the owner.
| Term | Gender | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Landlord | Male | A man who owns a property and rents it out to tenants. |
| Landlady | Female | A woman who owns a property and rents it out to tenants. |
Regardless of gender, the responsibilities and legal obligations of a landlord or landlady typically remain the same, encompassing duties such as property maintenance, rent collection, and adherence to tenant-landlord laws.
Gender-Neutral Alternatives
While 'landlady' is the direct gender opposite, contemporary language increasingly favors gender-neutral terminology in many contexts to promote inclusivity. Common alternatives that can refer to either a male or female property owner include:
- Property owner
- Lessor
- Rental property owner
- Building owner
These terms offer a versatile way to refer to the individual responsible for a rental property without specifying their gender.
Examples in Context
Here are examples illustrating the usage of 'landlord' and 'landlady' in sentences:
- The new landlady introduced herself to all the tenants on moving day.
- He contacted his landlord to report a leak in the bathroom.
- "Our landlady is very responsive to maintenance requests," said the tenant.
- The agreement was signed by both the tenant and the landlord.
