Which term refers to the arrangement that allows a customer limited rights to use an asset for a specified period?

Leasing is the correct term because it refers to a contractual arrangement in which one party, the lessee, obtains the right to use an asset owned by another party, the lessor, for a specific duration, typically in exchange for periodic payments. This arrangement allows the customer to utilize the asset without having to purchase it outright, usually specifying the duration of use and the obligations of both parties.

The structure of leasing agreements can vary significantly, but they often include terms surrounding maintenance, insurance, and responsibility for the asset during its use. This allows businesses and individuals to acquire the use of assets such as vehicles, machinery, or real estate, facilitating financial flexibility and resource management.

In contrast, borrowing typically involves obtaining a loan to acquire assets with an obligation to repay the borrowed amount along with interest. Pledging relates to securing a loan by offering an asset as collateral. Renting may seem similar to leasing, but it usually implies a shorter-term, less formal agreement and might not involve the same level of commitment or structure as leasing. Therefore, the specificity and characteristics of leasing distinctly align with the definition provided in the question.