What distinguishes a holdover tenancy from other tenancy types?

A holdover tenancy uniquely arises when a tenant continues to occupy the rental property after the lease has expired. This situation occurs without a new agreement being established, which differentiates it from other types of tenancies where lease terms are clearly defined and active. In a holdover tenancy, the tenant may remain in the property under a month-to-month arrangement, but their continued occupancy is essentially unauthorized unless agreed upon by the landlord.

The nature of a holdover tenancy means that it can provide the landlord with the opportunity to terminate the tenancy more easily since the original lease has ended. While the landlord may need to give notice depending on local laws, a key element is that the occupancy is not formally sanctioned through a new lease. This is what sets it apart from other forms, such as fixed-term or periodic tenancies, where the terms and conditions are explicitly stated and agreed upon by both parties at the outset.