Reviewed by Casa Academy and updated July 29, 2026 using the current DBPR checklist and Pearson VUE scheduling guidance.
Lease Expiration
Lease expiration is the date a tenancy ends under the lease term unless renewed or extended, after which the tenant's right to possess typically converts to holdover status subject to eviction or new agreement terms.
Exam context
Distinguish lease expiration (natural term end) from early lease termination (breach or mutual release). Eviction follows holdover after expiration if tenant refuses to leave.
End of term mechanics
Fixed-term leases expire automatically on the stated date without requiring landlord notice in many states. Tenants should deliver keys and vacate unless a renewal is signed. Landlords may market the unit before expiration while respecting access notice rules and existing tenant possession.
Holdover and renewal
If a tenant stays past expiration without consent, holdover rent penalties or month-to-month conversion may apply by statute. Renewal options in the original lease give the tenant a right to extend on stated terms if exercised timely. Agents document new terms before expiration to avoid vacancy gaps.
Examples
Fixed-term end
A 12-month lease signed March 1 expires February 28 the following year. Neither party must give notice to end unless the lease requires advance renewal intent.
Holdover double rent
A commercial tenant remains 30 days after expiration. The lease specifies holdover rent at 150% of the last monthly rate until possession returns to the landlord.
Keep studying
Related terms
- Lease terminationEnding a lease before natural expiration.
- Lessor vs lesseeLandlord and tenant roles at lease end.
Related resources
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- Florida exam topic hub
Florida-specific explainers and question sets for this topic area.
Sources
- Cornell LII: landlord-tenant law(Cornell Legal Information Institute)