Occupancy Property Use Occupancy refers to the act of residing in or using a property or space. This includes the possession and control of the property, typically under a lease or ownership agreement, and entails responsibilities such as maintenance and adherence to property regulations. Occupancy refers to the physical act of living in or using a property, which can be temporary or intermittent, in contrast to "residence," which refers to a person's fixed, permanent, and principal home, often with legal implications and the intention to remain for an extended period.