Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| casero | /kaˈseɾo/ | masculine |
| arrendador | /arendaˈdoɾ/ | masculine |
| terrateniente | /terateˈnjente/ | feminine, masculine |
| propietario | /pɾopjeˈtaɾjo/ | masculine |
| patrono | /paˈtɾono/ | masculine |
In Spanish, the term used for a person who owns and rents out property such as a house, apartment or condo varies based on the setting. While casero is a common way to refer to a landlord, propietario is a general term for a property owner and is often used as a synonym when discussing who owns a specific unit.
What does it mean word for word?
The word casero is derived from casa (house), literally relating to the house.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends on whether you are speaking legally, casually or describing specific types of ownership. Arrendador is the technical, legal term used in rental contracts and official documents. Casero is the everyday word used in spoken conversation. Propietario is a formal term that emphasizes the person's status as the owner. Terrateniente is a formal term used specifically for a landowner who owns large amounts of agricultural land or estates, rather than someone renting out a small apartment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, casero is a commonly used term for a landlord. In Mexico, the term patrón might be used to refer to a landlord. In Argentina, the word administrador is sometimes used to refer to a landlord who manages multiple properties.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form casero can be changed to the feminine form casera to refer to a landlady.
How do you pronounce it?
/kaˈseɾo/
Did you know?
- The word casero can be a false friend for English speakers, as it also means 'homemade' when describing food or crafts.
- The formal word terrateniente uses teniente, which is the same word used for a 'lieutenant' in a military context.
- In some Latin American cultures, calling a landlord patrón implies a social hierarchy and a level of deference that goes beyond a simple business relationship.
Examples in context
- Tom fue desahuciado por su casero por no pagar el alquiler.Tom was evicted by his landlord for not paying rent.This sentence shows how a person might be evicted by their casero.Tatoeba #9926239 by Shishir, translation #9845604 by DJ_Saidez
- El casero le dijo que se fuera porque no había pagado el alquiler.The landlord told him to leave because he hadn't paid his rent.This sentence illustrates a landlord telling a tenant to leave due to unpaid rent using the word casero.Tatoeba #1282058 by Shishir, translation #24095 by CK
- El arrendador de mi apartamento es muy amableThe landlord of my apartment is very friendly
- El propietario de la casa necesita hacer reparacionesThe landlord of the house needs to make repairs
- El casero me aumentó el alquilerThe landlord raised my rent
- Mi arrendatario es también mi caseroMy tenant is also my landlord
- La propietaria del edificio es muy estrictaThe female landlord of the building is very strict
- Ella es la caseraShe is the female landlord
- Pagué el depósito al propietarioI paid the security deposit to the landlord
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a broken pipe in the apartment.
- DanielTengo que llamar al casero ahora mismo.I have to call the landlord right now.
- MaríaSí, Daniel, el agua se está filtrando.Yes, Daniel, the water is leaking.
- DanielEspero que el casero venga pronto.I hope the landlord comes soon.
- MaríaSeguro que lo arregla rápido.I'm sure he'll fix it quickly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “landlord” translations and entries casero, arrendador, terrateniente, propietario, patrono, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
