Define: Holdover Tenancy

A holdover tenancy occurs when a tenant continues to occupy a property after the lease agreement has expired or has been terminated. In such cases, the tenant remains in possession of the premises without the landlord’s explicit permission. Holdover tenancies may arise for various reasons, such as failure to vacate the property at the end of the lease term, misunderstanding regarding lease renewal, or refusal to move out despite receiving notice of termination from the landlord. The legal rights and obligations of both the landlord and tenant in a holdover tenancy situation may vary depending on local laws and the terms of the original lease agreement. Landlords may choose to accept rent from holdover tenants and continue the tenancy on a month-to-month basis, negotiate a new lease agreement, or initiate eviction proceedings to regain possession of the property.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.