What happens to a lease when it expires and the tenant does not leave?

When a lease expires and the tenant does not leave, it typically converts to a tenancy at sufferance. This means that the tenant remains in possession of the property without the landlord's consent and without a valid lease agreement in place. In this situation, the tenant has no legal right to stay, but the landlord has not yet taken action to evict them. This can create an unstable situation for both parties, as the landlord can begin eviction proceedings, but the tenant is still physically occupying the property.

The other options present scenarios that do not accurately reflect common legal outcomes in this situation. For example, an automatic extension of the lease for another year usually requires mutual consent or specific provisions in the original lease agreement. The lease does not simply void without consequences; rather, it transitions to a different legal status. Lastly, there is no standard requirement for tenants to pay double rent simply for remaining past the lease term; rent terms would typically continue as per the original lease agreement until resolved.