English Reference

Phrasal verb

rent out

Definition

phrasal verb. to let someone use something you own, like a house or a car, for a regular payment.

phrasal verb. to grant the use of property or equipment to a tenant or customer in exchange for periodic payment. The verb is transitive and specifically emphasizes the perspective of the owner or lessor.

Examples

“They rent out their spare room to a student.”

“After moving to the city, she decided to rent out her small cottage to tourists during the busy summer months.”

“The investment firm manages a vast portfolio of commercial properties, which they rent out to tech startups on flexible, short-term leases to maximize their annual returns.”

Examples

simple

“They rent out their spare room to a student.”

contextual

“After moving to the city, she decided to rent out her small cottage to tourists during the busy summer months.”

complex

“The investment firm manages a vast portfolio of commercial properties, which they rent out to tech startups on flexible, short-term leases to maximize their annual returns.”

Usage

The object can sit either after the particle or between the verb and the particle.

Teaching tip

Contrast this with 'rent', which can describe both the owner's and the tenant's actions, whereas 'rent out' only applies to the owner.

Pitfall

I rent out a room from my friend.

I rent a room from my friend.

'Rent out' is used for the person providing the property, not the person paying to use it.

Phrasal verb

Particles

out

Separability

optional

Pattern

rent + out + object

Synonyms

letleasehire out

Antonyms

rentlease from

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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