In a leasing transaction, the lessee is the tenant — the party obtaining the right to occupy and use the property. The lessor is the landlord, who owns the property and grants possession through the lease.
Therefore, when a salesperson’s client is the lessee, the salesperson represents the tenant in the transaction. The role is similar to representing a buyer in a purchase transaction — the agent owes fiduciary duties such as loyalty, confidentiality, and disclosure to the tenant client.
The other options do not apply:
Lender (A) provides financing, not leasing services.
Landlord (C) would be the lessor, not the lessee.
Lien holder (D) is a creditor with a security interest in property, unrelated to this relationship.
Thus, the correct answer is B: tenant.
[Reference: Massachusetts Real Estate Salesperson Candidate Handbook – Agency Law; M.G.L. c.112, §87AAA–112.]