What is a holdover tenancy?

A holdover tenancy occurs when a tenant, also known as a lessee, continues to occupy the rental property after the lease agreement has expired, without the landlord's express permission to do so. This situation can arise when a tenant does not vacate the property by the end of the lease term, leading to a scenario where the original lease terms may still apply, or the tenancy may convert into a periodic tenancy, such as a month-to-month arrangement, depending on the local laws and the specific circumstances surrounding the lease termination.

In many cases, landlords have the option to accept rent from the holdover tenant, which could solidify a new tenancy based on the prior lease. However, it's also important to note that the landlord can also choose to evict the holdover tenant, particularly if they wish to gain possession of the property for other purposes or lease it to a new tenant.

The other options do not accurately describe a holdover tenancy. For example, a tenant moving out early refers to a situation where a lease ends before its designated term, which does not relate to a holdover scenario. Similarly, paying rent in advance or establishing a tenancy for a period exceeding one year are not pertinent definitions associated with holdover tenancies, as they focus