What is meant by 'exclusive possession' in the context of a leasehold estate?

In the context of a leasehold estate, 'exclusive possession' refers to the tenant's right to use and enjoy the property independently, without interference from the landlord or other parties. This means that once the lease is in effect, the tenant has control over the premises and can utilize the space as agreed upon in the lease contract. They are free to exclude others, including the landlord, from entering or interfering with their possession of the property, except under the rights granted in the lease itself.

This concept is central to leasehold estates as it differentiates the tenant's rights from other forms of agreements, such as licenses, where exclusive possession is not typically granted. The other options do not adequately capture this principle: they either imply limitations on the tenant's rights or suggest a lack of control over the property, which contradicts the very nature of exclusive possession.