landlord - person who lets land or premises, granting a lease to a tenant. The landlord may or may not be the freehold owner landlord and tenant - the parties to a lease. The law of landlord and tenant is that governing the operation, termination, and regulation of leases. Many leases, both business and residentia, are subject to statutory control. This means that the right of the landlord to end a lease and evict tenants may be restricted and the rent may be controlled.