What is the term for a tenant who remains in possession of a property after the expiration of a lease?

The term for a tenant who remains in possession of a property after the expiration of a lease is "holdover tenant." This designation applies when a tenant continues to occupy the property beyond the agreed-upon lease term without the landlord's formal consent. In many jurisdictions, a holdover tenant may face various legal repercussions or may be subject to different rent terms if the landlord chooses to accept their continued occupancy.

Understanding this concept is crucial for both landlords and tenants, as it outlines rights and obligations that arise once a lease has expired. In contrast, other options such as "default tenant," "renewing tenant," and "excess tenant" do not accurately describe this specific situation. A default tenant usually refers to someone that has failed to meet their lease obligations, a renewing tenant suggests a formal extension of the lease, and an excess tenant is not a widely recognized term in real estate law.