mesne profits

Mesne profits are damages recoverable by a landowner from a person who has wrongfully possessed or occupied their land. The term historically means “intermediate profits,” referring to the profits or rental value derived from land during the period of wrongful possession. See Dumas v. Ropp, 558 P.2d 632 (1977). 

Mesne profits arise when a person occupies land without legal right and benefits from its use. The damages may include the rental value of the property during the period of wrongful possession, or the value of the resources taken from the land; such as timber or minerals. 

Mesne profits may also arise in landlord-tenant disputes when a tenant remains in possession of property after the lease has expired or been terminated.

See also: Cracchiolo v. State, 146 Ariz. 452 (1985).

[Last reviewed in April of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]

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