What is the term for a financial arrangement where a customer temporarily acquires rights to use an asset?

Leasing is the term that best describes a financial arrangement where a customer temporarily acquires rights to use an asset. In a lease agreement, the lessee (the customer) pays the lessor (the owner of the asset) for the right to use the asset for a specific period of time, usually in exchange for regular payments. This arrangement allows the lessee to utilize the asset without the need for a significant upfront investment to purchase it outright. Leasing is commonly used for assets such as vehicles, machinery, and office space, as it provides flexibility and can be more financially manageable compared to purchasing.

Renting is similar to leasing but typically implies a shorter-term agreement that may not include the same complexities or longer-term commitments as lease agreements. Thus, while renting could be considered in certain contexts, leasing is the more precise term used in formal financial discussions about asset usage rights.