Florida Broker Practice Exam

Which type of lease has a specific starting date but no specific ending date?

1. Estate for years

2. Tenancy at sufferance

3. Tenancy at will

4. Life estate

The correct answer is: Tenancy at will

A lease that has a specific starting date but no specific ending date is classified as a tenancy at will. This type of lease establishes an arrangement where the tenant occupies the property with the landlord's consent, and either party can terminate the arrangement at any time, typically with proper notice. Tenancies at will are versatile and often used in situations where the duration of occupancy isn't fixed, such as when a tenant needs temporary housing or in transitional living situations. This arrangement offers flexibility for both landlords and tenants, differing from a lease with a defined term that binds both parties for a set duration. In contrast, an estate for years involves a lease where both the starting and ending dates are specified, while a tenancy at sufferance occurs when a tenant remains in possession of the property without the landlord's consent after the lease has expired. Meanwhile, a life estate relates to property ownership that lasts for the duration of an individual's life, which also does not apply to leasing situations.