《合同法》第230条确立了承租人的优先购买权,这实际上是对出租人选择合同相对人的自由进行了限制。学界主要从四个方面阐释承租人优先购买权制度的立法理由:(1)有利于法律关系的延续;(2)有利于法律关系的简化;(3)并不会损害他人的合法权益;(4)符合我国历史传统和国际通行作法。实际上,这四项理由均难以成立。承租人优先购买权制度在理论上缺乏合理依据,在实践中也难以实现立法者预想的效果,反倒是增加了当事人的纠纷和诉累。我国《合同法》宜废除关于承租人优先购买权的规定。 Article 230 of the Contract Law establishes the lessee’s preemptive right, which in effect limits the freedom of the lessor to choose the counterpart of the contract. The academic circles mainly explain the legislative reasons of the lessee’s preemption system from four aspects: (1) it is conducive to the continuation of legal relations; (2) it is conducive to the simplification of legal relations; (3) does not harm the legitimate rights and interests of others; 4) in line with China’s historical traditions and international practices. In fact, these four reasons are difficult to set up. In the theory, the lessee’s preemptive right system lacks a reasonable basis, and in practice, it is difficult to realize the expected effect of the legislator. On the contrary, it increases the parties’ disputes and complaints. The “Contract Law” in our country should abolish the preferential right of tenants.