What term describes the owner of the real estate in a leasehold estate?

The term that describes the owner of the real estate in a leasehold estate is "lessor." This refers to the individual or entity that grants the lease to another party, providing them the right to occupy and use the property for a specified period under certain conditions.

In the context of real estate leases, the lessor is responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring that it is suitable for the tenant’s use. This role is distinct from that of the lessee, who is the party that leases the property and pays rent to the lessor. Understanding this relationship is crucial when dealing with leasehold estates, as it defines the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved in the lease agreement.

Other choices, such as "lessee," refer to the tenant or individual who occupies the property, while "tenant" is often used interchangeably with lessee but does not denote the owner of the property. Meanwhile, "landholder" is a broader term that can refer to anyone who owns land, but in the specific context of leasehold estates, "lessor" is the precise term that identifies the owner granting the lease.