Landlord-Tenant Law, from Cornell.edu:
The Four Basic Types of Landlord-Tenant Relationships
The basis of the legal relationship between a landlord and tenant is grounded in both contract and property law. The tenant has a property interest in the land (historically, a non-freehold estate) for a given period of time before the property interest transfers back to the landlord. See State Property Statues. While these four relationship types are generally true, they are subject to state statutes, as well as the actual lease agreed upon by the landlord and the tenant.
The length of the tenancy is typically classified in 1 of 4 categories:
Term of Years Tenancy
The relationship lasts for a fixed period which is agreed upon in advance by both the landlord and tenant. When the period ends, so do the tenant's possessory rights/
In this relationship, the tenant has the right to possess the land, to restrict others (including the landlord from entering the land, and to sublease or assign the property).
Periodic Tenancy
The relationship is automatically renewed unless the landlord gives advance notice of termination
In this relationship, the tenant has the right to possess the land, to restrict others (including the landlord from entering the land, and to sublease or assign the property).
Tenancy at Will
There is no fixed ending period. The relationship continues for as long as the tenant and landlord desire.
Tenancy at Sufferance
The tenant continues to inhabit the property after the lease expires.
Quiet Enjoyment
The landlord-tenant relationship is founded on duties proscribed by either statutory law , the common law, or the individual lease. Basic to all leases is the implied covenant of quiet enjoyment. This covenant ensure the tenant that his possession will not be disturbed by someone with a superior legal title to the land including the landlord.
