Legal Definitions - let

The term "let" has several distinct meanings within legal contexts, though some are more prevalent than others. While its use in property law has largely been superseded by "lease" in the United States, it still appears in other legal applications.

• To Lease or Rent Property (Verb):

  In property law, "let" historically referred to the act of granting temporary use and possession of real property (such as a house, apartment, or land) to another person in exchange for rent. This is the same concept as leasing or renting out property.

  • Example: A homeowner decided to let their guest house to a visiting professor for the duration of the academic year.

    Explanation: Here, "let" describes the action of the homeowner providing the professor with the right to occupy and use the guest house in exchange for payment, which is the essence of renting or leasing property.

• To Allow or Permit (Verb):

  In a broader sense, "let" can mean to permit, allow, or enable something to happen or continue.

  • Example: The court, after reviewing the evidence, decided to let the preliminary injunction stand, preventing the company from continuing its controversial advertising campaign.

    Explanation: This illustrates the court's decision to permit or allow the injunction to remain in effect.

• To Award a Contract (Verb):

  When referring to contracts, "let" means to formally award or assign a contract for services, goods, or construction, often after a competitive bidding process.

  • Example: Following a public tender, the municipal government decided to let the contract for the city's new waste management services to a private environmental company.

    Explanation: This demonstrates the government agency formally selecting and awarding the contract for waste management to a specific company after evaluating bids.

• An Obstruction or Hindrance (Noun):

  Less commonly, "let" can function as a noun meaning an impediment, obstacle, or hindrance. This usage is often found in older legal texts or specific phrases like "without let or hindrance."

  • Example: The terms of the easement agreement stipulated that the utility company could access the power lines on the property without let from the landowner.

    Explanation: In this context, "without let" means without any obstruction or impediment from the landowner, ensuring the utility company has free access.