A lessee who remains in possession of a leased property after the expiration of the lease term becomes a tenant at sufferance. This individual, by continuing to occupy the premises without the landlord’s consent, has transitioned into a specific legal status. An example would be a business that continues operations at its leased storefront after the lease’s termination date without securing a renewal or new agreement with the property owner.
The significance of this situation lies in the altered rights and responsibilities of both the property owner and the occupant. The owner retains the right to initiate eviction proceedings to regain possession of the property. Simultaneously, depending on jurisdictional laws and previous lease terms, the occupant may be liable for rent during this period. Historically, such tenancies were often viewed unfavorably, as they created uncertainty and potential disruption for property management.
