What defines a tenancy at sufferance?

A tenancy at sufferance is defined by the situation where a tenant remains in possession of the rental property after their lease has expired without the landlord's consent but continues to pay rent. This type of tenancy arises when the tenant does not vacate the property at the end of the lease term. Although the tenancy is technically unauthorized, the landlord accepting rent payments can imply a willingness to continue the arrangement under the same or similar terms.

This arrangement reflects the legal principle that the landlord must treat the situation as a new tenancy until they decide to evict the tenant or agree to a new lease. This contrasts with the other options: a tenant refusing to pay rent suggests a different legal understanding, while tenants without a signed lease agreement are typically established to have some form of tenancy, and an eviction signifies the termination of a tenant's right to occupy the property entirely. Understanding these distinctions is critical in property management to navigate tenant relationships and lease agreements effectively.