leasing
periodic tenancy
A periodic tenancy is a leasehold estate that continues for successive periods, such as month to month or year to year, with no fixed ending date. It renews automatically at the end of each period until either the landlord or tenant gives proper notice to terminate. Notice requirements vary by state and lease terms. It is often created when a tenant stays after a fixed-term lease and the landlord accepts rent.
- Exam tip
- The key trait is automatic renewal without a set end date. An estate for years has a definite end date and needs no notice; a periodic tenancy requires notice to end.
- Example
- A tenant's one-year lease expires, but she keeps paying $1,500 each month and the landlord keeps cashing the checks, creating a month-to-month periodic tenancy.
Related terms & state variants
Sources
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Last verified: 2026-10-23