Leased housing encompasses residential homes which are leased, rented, provided as a social benefit, or provided in exchange for services, on a basis of discrete time periods. This type of housing may be effectively permanent for its residents, who nevertheless do not own it and do not exercise full control over its terms of occupancy, although the occupants generally have a reasonable expectation of privacy and control during the terms of their leases.

Payment of rent is one possible basis of occupancy. Housing supplied through employment or as a social benefit also qualifies when the right to occupy it is granted for discrete periods.

Residents can remain for many years without owning their homes. The limited terms concern their right of occupancy, so a succession of leases does not turn the property into owner-occupied housing.