Which term describes a decrease in continuing payments like rent?

The term that describes a decrease in continuing payments like rent is abatement. In a rental or lease context, abatement typically refers to a reduction in the amount of rent due. This can happen for various reasons, such as property damages, failure to provide certain services, or negotiated agreements between the landlord and tenant. Abatement is often utilized to adjust the financial obligations of tenants based on specific circumstances, providing a relief mechanism to account for lesser value or utility derived from the property.

In contrast, terms like acceleration clause refer to a provision that allows a lender to demand full repayment of a loan under certain conditions, which is not related to rental payments. Amortization pertains to the process of gradually paying off a debt through scheduled payments, primarily concerning loans rather than rent. Lastly, absolute title refers to a complete ownership of property without any liens or encumbrances, again unrelated to the context of decreasing rent payments. Each of the other terms serves different functions and is applicable in different scenarios, but abatement is specifically focused on the reduction of ongoing rental obligations.