What happens when a tenant remains in possession of a property after the lease has expired?

When a tenant remains in possession of a property after the lease has expired, they become known as a holdover tenant. This situation arises when a tenant does not vacate the premises upon the lease's termination. Depending on state laws and the terms of the lease, the status of a holdover tenant can lead to different legal consequences.

As a holdover tenant, the continuing possession of the property may give rise to various implications for both the tenant and the landlord. For the landlord, they may choose to accept the tenant's continued occupancy, which could lead to an implied renewal under similar lease terms, or they may initiate eviction proceedings to reclaim the property. The holdover status is significant as it can affect rental agreements, tenancy rights, and the obligations of both parties, including potential rent increases or legal action for possession.

Understanding the concept of a holdover tenant is crucial because it highlights the complexities involved once a lease term ends and the options available to both tenants and landlords in dealing with tenancy issues.