rent-free

American  

[rent-free] / ˈrɛntˈfri /

adverb

1. without payment of rent.

   We lived rent-free for six months.

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adjective

1. not subject to rent.

   a rent-free apartment.

rent-free British  

adjective

1. without payment of rent

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Etymology

Origin of rent-free

First recorded in 1625–35; rent ¹ + -free

Example Sentences

The charity also owned properties in Manchester in London which the union occupied rent-free.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The situation, as you describe it, is a little more complicated, given that you will have five years to live in his home rent-free, except for property taxes, utilities and costs associated with other upkeep.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 20, 2026

The U.S. already maintains a large military-base in northern Greenland rent-free.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

“Little did I know it was potentially on the radar for me. That’s a moment that lives rent-free in my head, that’s for sure.”

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025

While we stayed rent-free in the residence and had our utilities and staffing paid for, we nonetheless covered all other living expenses, which seemed to add up quickly, especially given the fancy-hotel quality of everything.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama