Inklingo

How to Say "lease" in Spanish

English → Spanish

alquiler

al-kee-LEHR/al.kiˈleɾ/

nounA2general
Use 'alquiler' when referring specifically to the amount of rent paid or the rental agreement for a property, like an apartment or house.
A stack of colorful currency bills and coins placed next to a miniature, simplified red house illustration, symbolizing payment for housing.

Examples

El alquiler de este piso es demasiado alto.

The rent for this apartment is too high.

El alquiler de nuestro piso subió el 10% este año.

The rent for our apartment went up 10% this year.

Necesitamos un coche de alquiler para visitar la costa.

We need a rental car to visit the coast.

¿Cuándo es la fecha límite para pagar el alquiler?

When is the deadline to pay the rent?

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-er', 'alquiler' is a masculine noun, so always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el alquiler', 'un buen alquiler'.

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using *alquiler* when you mean the action of renting, e.g., 'Quiero alquiler una casa.'”

Correction: Use the verb *alquilar* for the action: 'Quiero *alquilar* una casa.' (I want to rent a house).

contrato

kon-TRAH-toh/konˈtɾa.to/

nounA1general
Use 'contrato' when referring to a formal, legally binding agreement or contract, which can include rental agreements but also employment or other types of deals.
Two professional cartoon figures shaking hands firmly over a thick document tied with a red ribbon on a wooden table, symbolizing a formal agreement.

Examples

Firmamos el contrato de arrendamiento para la oficina.

We signed the lease agreement for the office.

Necesito firmar el contrato antes de empezar a trabajar.

I need to sign the contract before starting work.

El contrato de alquiler dura un año.

The rental agreement lasts one year.

Asegúrate de leer todas las cláusulas del contrato.

Make sure you read all the clauses of the contract.

Gender and Articles

Since 'contrato' is masculine, you must always use the masculine articles: 'el contrato' (the contract) or 'un contrato' (a contract).

Confusing Rent Amount vs. Formal Agreement

Learners often confuse 'alquiler' and 'contrato'. Remember that 'alquiler' specifically refers to rent or a rental agreement, while 'contrato' is a broader term for any formal contract, including rental ones.

Related Translations

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