What is the meaning of the word lease as it is used in the text? Write your best definition here, along with a brief explanation of how you arrived at its meaning.
Definition: A lease refers to a legal agreement between a lessor (property owner) and a lessee (tenant) that grants the lessee the right to use a property, vehicle, or equipment for a specified period in exchange for rent or regular payments.
Explanation: In the context of the text, "lease" is mentioned in relation to rental properties. The word conveys the idea of a contractual agreement between a landlord (lessor) and a tenant (lessee) for the temporary use and occupation of a property. This interpretation is supported by the fact that the text discusses rental applications, leases for apartments, and background checks — all of which are commonly associated with renting or leasing properties.