What defines a holdover tenant?

A holdover tenant is defined as an individual who continues to occupy a rental unit beyond the expiration of their lease agreement. This situation arises when the lease term has ended and the tenant remains in the property without renewing the lease or obtaining the landlord's consent for continued occupancy. The existence of a holdover tenancy can lead to various legal implications, including the landlord's right to start eviction proceedings or the potential for the lease to convert to a month-to-month agreement under certain conditions, depending on state law.

The other options do not capture the essence of what constitutes a holdover tenant. Moving out due to lack of heat relates to a tenant's right to habitability, acknowledging lead-based paint is tied to disclosure obligations, and refusing to adhere to quiet enjoyment pertains to tenants' rights to peaceably enjoy their rental unit. None of these scenarios involve lease expiration and continued occupancy, which is the defining characteristic of a holdover tenant.