Inklingo

How to Say "landlord" in Spanish

English → Spanish

casero

/kah-SEH-roh//kaˈseɾo/

nounB1informal
Use 'casero' when referring to the person who owns and rents out a property you live in or a specific unit you rent, especially in informal or everyday contexts.
A friendly person holding a set of keys standing in front of a small house.

Examples

Tengo que llamar al casero porque se rompió la ducha.

I have to call the landlord because the shower broke.

El casero vive en el primer piso del edificio.

The landlord lives on the first floor of the building.

Casero vs. Dueño

Mistake: “Using 'dueño' exclusively for a landlord.”

Correction: While 'dueño' means 'owner,' 'casero' is the specific and more common word for a landlord you interact with as a renter.

propietario

pro-pyeh-TAHR-ee-oh/pɾopjetaˈɾjo/

nounA2formal
Use 'propietario' when referring to the owner of a property in a more formal context, or when discussing property ownership in a general sense, not necessarily limited to rental situations.
A smiling cartoon person standing proudly in front of a small, brightly colored house, holding up a large, shiny key, symbolizing ownership.

Examples

El propietario del edificio cobra un alquiler mensual.

The owner of the building charges a monthly rent.

El propietario del coche nuevo vive en el tercer piso.

The owner of the new car lives on the third floor.

Necesitas hablar con el propietario del restaurante sobre la reserva.

You need to speak with the proprietor of the restaurant about the reservation.

Los inquilinos se quejaron al propietario por el ruido.

The tenants complained to the landlord about the noise.

Gender Change

Since this word ends in '-o', it changes to '-a' for women: 'la propietaria' (the female owner). This is a standard pattern for Spanish nouns describing people.

Confusing Formality

Mistake: “Using 'propietario' in very casual talk about small items.”

Correction: For casual contexts, especially simple possessions, use 'dueño'. Use 'propietario' for official or formal ownership (houses, companies).

Casero vs. Propietario

Learners often confuse 'casero' and 'propietario' because both can mean 'owner'. Remember that 'casero' is the go-to word for your actual landlord in everyday situations, while 'propietario' is broader and more formal, often referring to ownership in general.

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