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What Happens When A Tenant’s Lease Expires

Performance Property Real Estate Question

Q: My daughter’s lease expires soon and my landlord did not send me a new lease. What happens when her lease expires? Erica, Bayonne, NJ

A: Each state has different laws and procedures regarding what happens when a lease expires, so you should research the landlord tenants laws in the state and town where your daughter lives.  In the real estate markets where I operate in North Jersey, when a tenant’s lease expires, the tenant has 3 choices:

  1. Stay on a month-to-month basis: If a tenant continues to pay rent and the landlord accepts the rent payments, the tenancy becomes month-to-month. The rent is typically the same as before the lease expired. The tenant or landlord can end the month-to-month tenancy at any time with proper written notice at least a month in advance.

  2. Sign a new lease: The tenant can sign a new lease with the landlord.

  3. Move out: The tenant can move out of the property.

Thanks for your question, Erica.

For more real estate tips and information visit my blog at geraldlucas.com.